Jaw Botox is a quick, in-office treatment that relaxes the overworked masseter muscles behind clenching and grinding. For many people, that means less jaw tension, fewer tension-type headaches and calmer mornings, with relief typically starting within 3 to 5 days.
Here at TG Orthodontics, Dr. Tara Gostovich brings an orthodontist’s understanding of the bite and jaw to every treatment. Book a complimentary consultation to see if it’s right for you.
What is jaw Botox and how does it work?
Your masseters are the strong chewing muscles at the back of the jaw. When they clench all day or grind all night, they can become tight, sore and overdeveloped.
Jaw Botox places small, precise doses into those muscles. It temporarily quiets the nerve signals that make the muscle contract, so it can’t clench as hard, while everyday talking and chewing carry on normally.
Who is a good candidate for Botox for jaw tension?
Botox for jaw tension is often worth exploring if you notice any of these:
- ✓Waking up with a sore, tired or tight jaw
- ✓Clenching during stress, workouts or focused work
- ✓Worn, chipped or flattened teeth
- ✓Dull aches around the temples or forehead
- ✓Jaw clicking or discomfort linked to TMJ strain
- ✓A partner who hears you grinding at night
Plenty of busy parents clench through the day without realizing it, then wonder why their jaw aches by bedtime. Noticing the pattern is the first step.
Does Botox help tension headaches?
For headaches driven by jaw muscle strain, it often can. When the chewing muscles stay contracted for hours, that tension can radiate into the temples, forehead and neck.
By easing that muscle activity, Botox for headaches of this type may lower how often they happen and how intense they feel.
So, does Botox help tension headaches for everyone? Not always, and results vary from person to person, which is why every case is evaluated individually.
A quick but important note: using Botox for headaches, TMJ symptoms or clenching is an off-label, therapeutic use that we evaluate case by case. It isn’t a substitute for a physician’s diagnosis of migraine or another headache disorder, so please see your doctor about severe, new or changing headaches.
Can you use Botox for teeth grinding?
Yes. Botox for teeth grinding reduces the force behind each clench, which can help protect enamel, crowns and other dental work from wear.
It doesn’t replace a night guard, and the two often pair well. The guard shields your teeth, while masseter Botox for clenching calms the muscle doing the damage.
If your grinding happens mostly during sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a useful resource on sleep health.
What does a jaw Botox appointment look like?
- 1
Consult: Dr. Gostovich reviews your symptoms, bite and jaw muscles. - 2
Plan: we map injection points and units for your muscle strength. - 3
Treatment: a few quick injections, usually finished in 10 to 20 minutes. - 4
Follow-up: we check your progress and fine-tune at future visits.
There’s no downtime, so you can head straight back to work or school pickup. Any mild tenderness at the injection sites usually fades quickly.
When will you notice results, and how long do they last?
- 3 to 5 daysEarly relief as the muscle begins to relax.
- 7 to 14 daysFull effect, with a noticeably calmer jaw.
- 3 to 4 monthsTypical duration before a maintenance visit.
Some people also notice a softer jawline as the masseter relaxes. That’s a side benefit, though the real goal of masseter Botox for clenching is comfort and protecting your teeth.
How much does jaw Botox cost?
Botox is $13 per unit and Xeomin is $11 per unit. Your total depends on muscle size and symptoms, and we’ll confirm it before treatment.
If you plan on regular visits, a monthly membership can lower your cost:
- 20 units a month: $220
- 30 units a month: $300
- 40 units a month: $360
- 50 units a month: $400
Why choose an orthodontist for jaw Botox?
Orthodontists focus on how the teeth, bite and jaw muscles work together. That perspective helps Dr. Gostovich recognize when clenching may be tied to a bite issue that deserves its own solution.
Your dosing is tailored to your own muscles, never a one-size-fits-all number.
She is an ABO board-certified orthodontist, and patients rate the practice 4.9 stars across 165+ Google reviews. Learn more on our Botox page, or browse all of our Botox and filler options.
Give your jaw a break
If clenching, grinding or tension headaches are wearing you down, start with a complimentary jaw Botox consultation in Marlboro, NJ. Call or text (732) 617-1211, or request a time online.