Medical Conditions

Teeth grinding

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition in which someone grinds or clenches their teeth. This usually happens subconsciously and stress can be a triggering factor. It may lead to:

  • Pain in the jaw, teeht and/or head
  • Damage to the teeth
  • Jaw disorders

How can bruxism be treated?

There are multiple ways to treat bruxism and its symptoms.

The most minimal invasive treatment is wearing a night guard. These can be provided by your dentist. A night guard is worn during the night and prevents damage to the teeth due to the grinding. Its main and only purpose is to prevent worse. A night guard does not treat or minimizes the teeth grinding itself.

Another treatment for bruxism is fysiotherapy for the jaw. A specialised fysiotherapist can provide this treatment. The therapist will discuss the cause of the teeth grinding or jaw clenching, massage the affected muscles and provide jaw excersises to use for training at home. With the right amount of motivation and effort, this can be a very effective treatment.

How can Botulinum Toxin help with bruxism?

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can be treated with Botulinum Toxin. Botulinum Toxin relaxes muscles. If injected in the masseter muscle, one of the muscles responsible for teeth grinding, the strength of the muscle will reduce leading to less grinding and clenching. Sometimes another muscle, called the temporalis muscle, is also involved. Additionally, this muscle can also betreated.

What to expect from a Botulinum Toxin treatment?

At Beauty Centre Maastricht, a consultation is done prior to every new treatment. The consultation is free of charge and without any obligation to do a treatment. We evaluate the symptoms and decide whether or not a Botulinum Toxin treatment is the right option for you. If it is the right option, we examine the location of the muscles and their strength and use this knowledge to determine the dosage and the number of injections. On average, a total of three injections per side is needed. The injections are done by a very thin needle making the treatment practically without pain or dyscomfort. Anesthesia is generally not required.

The maximum effect of the Botulinum Toxin is noticeable 14 to 28 days after the initial treatment. During this period, we do a check-up to determine the efficacy of the treatment and to evaluate possible side effects. If needed, additional injections with Botulinum Toxin can be done.

What to expect from a Botulinum Toxin treatment for bruxism?

The effect of the botulinum toxin will last for 3 to 6 months. After this time, the Botulinum Toxin will dissolve and the muscles causing teeth grinding and jaw clenching will slowly come back to full strength. It is advised to re-do the treatment before the muscles are back to full strength.

Additionally, changes in the shape of the face may occur after treatment. An extremely powerful masseter muscle, the muscle responsible for teeth grinding and jaw clenching, can make the face look angular or masculine. If treated with botulinum toxin, the muscle will shrink down in size. This will lead to a more heart-shaped or oval look and a more feminine and softer appearance. Depending on your own personal preferences, the slimming of the face can either be experienced as a downside or an upside.

 

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