Treatment of Teeth Clenching (Bruxism) with Botulinum Toxin

Teeth grinding, or bruxism as it is medically known, is a much more common and serious health problem than it is thought. This condition, which is usually triggered by stress, anxiety or sleep disorders, can lead to significant problems such as tooth abrasion, fracture, pain in the jaw joint, headaches and stiffness in the facial muscles over time. Especially unknowingly grinding your teeth while sleeping at night manifests itself with waking up tired in the morning and discomfort around the jaw.

As Private Ankara Life Polyclinic, we achieve successful results with botulinum toxin application in the treatment of teeth grinding. This modern, comfortable and effective treatment helps you protect your jaw structure in terms of both health and aesthetics.

Why Does Teeth Clenching Happen?

The main cause of bruxism is psychological stress and anxiety. In addition, genetic predisposition, disorders in the tooth structure, sleep disorders and some medications can also trigger this condition. As the clenching habit continues, the masseter muscle, the largest of our chewing muscles, gradually strengthens, and this strengthening causes us to clench our teeth even more. Unless this cycle is broken, both the pain increases and the health of our teeth and jaw is seriously damaged.

How is Teeth Clenching Treatment Performed with Botulinum Toxin?

The muscle targeted in teeth clenching treatment is the masseter muscle. This muscle is a muscle group located on both sides of our jawline and actively works during chewing. The masseter muscle, which works excessively with the act of clenching our teeth, gains volume over time and causes the jawline to harden.

As Dr. Fatma Yıldız, I apply botulinum toxin directly to the masseter muscle by injection at certain points in this treatment. The toxin temporarily blocks the muscle's neural signals and prevents excessive contraction of the muscle. Thus:

Teeth clenching decreases
The muscle relaxes
Jaw pain is relieved
Damage to the tooth surfaces is prevented
The application is a very short procedure. It is completed in an average of 10-15 minutes and patients can return to their daily lives immediately after the procedure.

How Long Do Treatment Results Last?

The effect of botulinum toxin application varies from person to person, but lasts an average of 4 months.
This period may vary depending on the strength of the muscle, the severity of the patient's teeth clenching and lifestyle. The effect period may be shorter, especially in people who do sports or have very intense muscle strength. Longer-lasting results can be achieved with applications made at regular intervals.

Aesthetic Benefit: Emphasizing the Facial Oval

Botulinum toxin application not only treats teeth clenching, but also offers an aesthetic gain. The overdeveloped masseter muscle can create an "angular" appearance, especially in the lower part of the face. Botulinum toxin thins the facial features by causing this muscle to shrink over time and helps to achieve a more elegant facial oval.

This aesthetic effect is especially preferred for female patients who complain of hard lines on their faces. However, it is also safely applied to men for both aesthetic and functional purposes.

Treatment of Teeth Grinding in Men

Botulinum toxin application is effective in men as well as women. Since male patients generally have stronger masseter muscles, the dosage is adjusted individually. After the treatment:

Teeth grinding is greatly reduced
There is no change in facial expression
Basic functions such as speaking, laughing or eating are not affected
Who Can Benefit from This Treatment?

People who clench or grind their teeth at night
Those who wake up with jaw, head or temple pain
Those who experience tooth wear and tooth fracture
Those who want a thinner jawline aesthetically
Individuals who do not have systemic diseases and do not have sleep apnea
Safe Application at Private Ankara Life Polyclinic

As Doctor Fatma Yıldız, I perform a detailed evaluation for each of my patients and perform botulinum toxin application with a dose plan specific to their needs. This treatment, which is performed at Private Ankara Life Polyclinic under sterile conditions using FDA-approved products, both protects your health and supports your aesthetic appearance.

Conclusion

Teeth grinding is not just a habit; it is a serious health problem that needs to be treated. Botulinum toxin injection into the masseter muscle is an extremely effective, fast and safe solution to eliminate this problem. It also provides an aesthetic gain by thinning the jawline.

If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night, have jaw pain in the morning or have abrasions on your teeth; Doctor Fatma Yıldız is waiting for you at Private Ankara Life Polyclinic for a detailed evaluation and solution-oriented treatment.