Botox ® jaw

The masseter muscle, which extends from the mandible to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is the largest and most powerful muscle in the masticatory apparatus. Its excessive contraction is at the root of bruxism, a condition whose origins are, in part, poorly understood. Bruxism results in teeth grinding, which can go unnoticed when it occurs mainly at night.

The diagnosis is most often made by the dental surgeon, who observes premature and abnormal wear of the occlusal surface of the teeth.

The exact causes of bruxism are still poorly understood, but it is certain that mechanical factors (bite or jaw defects) and psychological factors (stress, poor sleep, etc.) may be involved.

A pathology such as bruxism should never be underestimated, as it has many possible repercussions:

• dental repercussions, with premature wear and the risk of loosening;
• articular repercussions with TMJ dysfunction, sometimes causing tinnitus or difficulty opening the mouth with pain;
• general repercussions, with altered sleep and increased fatigue;
• aesthetic repercussions, with a more massive, squarer face, due to hypercontraction and hypertrophy of the masseter muscles.

L'botulinum toxin injection into the muscles gradually loosens them over a period of 5 to 6 months.

Dr Santini offers Botox jaw injections for two main indications:

• to refine a jaw that is too square, if its shape is due to hyper-contraction of the masseter muscles; on the other hand, it is useless if this shape is due to an excessively square shape of the bones;
• treating bruxism: even if the effect of Botox jaw treatment is never 100% guaranteed, this injection often achieves good results for bruxism and avoids the need to wear a night splint.

An initial consultation takes place at Dr. Christelle Santini's practice, where the clinical examination should reveal hypercontraction of the masseter muscles. A dental or orthodontic check-up may also be useful.

Dr. Santini's clinical examination provides added aesthetic value, taking into account the shape of the face: this is the guarantee of a bruxism treatment that does not neglect the artistic aspect.

Dr. Santini takes medical photos and explains to the patient any precautions to be taken beforehand, such as stopping taking aspirin for 5 days or avoiding facial congestion on the day itself.

An anaesthetic cream such as EMLA can be prescribed in case of apprehension.

No make-up should be applied to the skin on the day of the session.

As long as the aesthetic and medical indications are present, medical contraindications to Botox jaw injections are rare:

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding, as a precautionary measure.
• Neuromuscular pathologies (myasthenia gravis, etc.).
• Known hypersensitivity to albumin or botulinum toxin.

Botulinum toxin jaw injections take just 10 to 15 minutes to perform. They are injected deep into the masseter muscle, using a fine needle and disinfected skin.

They are virtually painless, especially as Dr Santini always selects a high-quality botulinum toxin, combined in the same syringe with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine.

The art of successfully treating bruxism with injections lies in not neglecting the aesthetic aspect, so as to offer a satisfactory result both medically (stopping teeth grinding) and aesthetically (looking natural).

No social eviction is necessary, as any redness or bruising that may occur is generally not very pronounced, and resolves within a few days.

It is normally possible to reapply make-up after 24 hours.

It is advisable not to engage in intensive physical activity immediately after the injections, and not to massage the face.

The effect of Botox jawbone is progressive, requiring between 4 and 10 days, with a duration of action of around 5 to 6 months.

• To eliminate bruxism, the effect is considered to have stabilized after 15 days, at which point it is often possible to stop wearing a night splint.
• As for the slimming effect on jaw muscles, the effect is stabilized after about a month: as with any resting muscle, there is in fact a slight progressive muscular atrophy.

• No stopover planned.
• Virtually painless injection for bruxism.
• Effect lasts about 6 months.

What to do before Botox® jaw treatment?

• 1 aesthetic medicine consultation.
• We provide a personalized estimate and take photographs.
• It is advisable to stop taking anticoagulants 5 days beforehand.
• No make-up on the day of the anti-bruxism treatment.

How does a bruxism injection session work in Paris?

• Session duration: 10 to 15 minutes
• Intramuscular injections into the masseter muscles, at several points.
• Virtually painless procedure using a fine needle and local anesthetic.

What are the after-effects of a botulinum toxin jaw treatment?

• Visible results from day 4.
• Results on bruxism stabilized around 15 days, for 6 months.
• No vacations to take.
• Muscle refined after a month, with a less square face.