Botox for Cosmetics or TMJ Pain

Esthetics, TMJ pain, & chronic migraines

Botulinum toxin is known as a “wrinkle reducer” to many. It’s used in small, diluted amounts injected into various locations in the face to smooth lines caused by muscle activity — frown lines (“elevens”), forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, gummy smile, smoker’s lines around the mouth, and bunny lines on the nose. Effects last approximately 3 months.

For therapeutic use, stress causes the nervous system to initiate muscle spasms which contract the muscles, creating pain and soreness. Nerves located in these contracted muscles become compressed, initiating TMJ symptoms including headaches. By injecting small, diluted amounts of botulinum toxin into the spastic muscles, we can prevent them from squeezing the nerves and reduce pain to the area.

The FDA approved botulinum toxin for chronic migraines and facial pain as a primary treatment in 2011. It’s deemed relatively safe for most procedures in healthy individuals. Notable improvement appears within 2–3 days, with maximum effect in 7–10 days for esthetics and 10–21 days for therapeutics — and unlike a night guard, it provides relief 24 hours per day.

• Botox®, Jeuveau®, Xeomin®, Dysport®
• TMJ pain & clenching/grinding relief
• Chronic migraines & tension headaches
• Cosmetic frown lines, crow’s feet, gummy smile
• Administered in a dental office, not a hospital
• Effects last approximately 3 months