Bruxism - Treating Teeth Grinding with Botox Berlin
People grind their teeth in their sleep (sleep bruxism) and also while awake (awake bruxism) – often without even being aware of it. Between 20 and 30 percent of adults regularly suffer from teeth grinding. Children and adolescents can also be affected. In the long run, teeth grinding - in medical terminology "bruxism" - can have serious consequences. For example, bruxism causes damage to the teeth and jaw, and can also lead to persistent tension or severe headaches and neck pain. The constantly tense masticatory muscle can enlarge and lead to changes in facial contours. Dentists often prescribe a so-called grinding or bite splint for bruxism, which attempts to stop the clenching of the teeth caused by grinding, but is unable to prevent the teeth from pressing together. An alternative method to treat bruxism is injections with botulinum toxin (Botox) in our specialist practice in Berlin. Botox provides sustainable relaxation of the masticatory muscles, so that teeth grinding is significantly alleviated or even completely disappears.
In our Berlin specialist practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery, we also offer our patients Botox treatments for teeth grinding. This therapy is not primarily about an aesthetic effect, but about effectively treating the permanent muscle tension in the jaw area of the masticatory muscles and thus also its health effects.
- Duration of the procedure
- 20 minutes
- Anesthesia
- Not required, optional application of a cream for local anesthesia
- Clinic stay
- Outpatient in our practice in Berlin
- Socially presentable
- Immediately after treatment
- Able to work
- Immediately after treatment
- Sport
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first two days
- Wound healing
- Not required
- Costs
- From 350 Euros
- Aftercare
- Avoid facial massages, cosmetic treatments, sauna, and solarium
Before the injections, the skin of the treatment area is disinfected. If you wish, we will apply a local anesthetic cream so that the Botox injections are not felt or only as a slight pressure.Botox for teeth grinding is injected into the masseter muscle and, depending on the findings, also into the temporal muscle. The masseter is one of the four human chewing muscles. It is located in the lateral area of the jaw and extends to the cheekbone. When it contracts, the lower jaw is raised, causing a powerful jaw closure. The contraction of the upper masseter area pulls the lower jaw forward. During jaw closure, the masseter works together with the temporal muscles.
There are hardly any risks associated with Botox for teeth grinding. Systemic side effects are not known for this active ingredient. Allergic reactions are also extremely rare. Basically, you do not have to fear any changes in facial expressions when treating teeth grinding with Botox in our specialist practice in Berlin. Although Botox for teeth grinding is dosed higher than for cosmetic applications, the optimal dosage is always determined individually during the preliminary examination. To safely rule out treatment risks, it is particularly important that a Botox treatment for teeth grinding is carried out exclusively by an experienced plastic and aesthetic surgeon.
No special aftercare is required for a Botox treatment. Redness, slight swelling, or bruising from the injections subside within a few days. Optionally, you can easily cover such skin manifestations with makeup. For the first 24 hours, you should avoid strenuous physical activity. In the first week, you should avoid sauna, solarium, as well as facial massages and cosmetic treatments.
Treatment for teeth grinding with Botox in Berlin – for health and a higher quality of life
Botulinum-A (Botox) is an active ingredient that has gained popularity primarily as a means of wrinkle treatment. Less known is that Botox was originally used in medicine – for example, in stroke patients or in people suffering from musculoskeletal disorders.
In its natural form, botulinum toxin is the strongest known neurotoxin. It interrupts the communication between muscles and the brain, is formed by bacteria, and has often led to life-threatening poisoning in the past due to inadequately preserved foods.
Botox for medical use is produced under strictly controlled conditions. Botox preparations undergo the same approval process as any other medication; injections of the active ingredient may only be carried out by licensed doctors in Germany. Botox influences muscle activity – depending on its dosage, it can reduce or completely inhibit muscle contraction. After a Botox injection, the active ingredient accumulates at the nerve endings (synapses) of the treated muscles. This reduces or interrupts the signal transmission between muscles and nerves, as the neurotransmitter acetylcholine responsible for this is no longer able to dock at the nerve endings occupied by Botox.
How bruxism develops is not fully understood medically. Previously, it was assumed that the main reasons for this were jaw misalignments; today, psychological causes are primarily assumed for teeth grinding. For example, bruxism in the waking state is attributed a stress-reducing function. Stress, tension, sleep disorders, anxieties, but also excessive consumption of nicotine and alcohol are factors that promote teeth grinding.
What results can be achieved by treating teeth grinding with Botox in Berlin?
When treating teeth grinding with Botox, the activity of the masticatory muscles is dampened but not completely eliminated. The intensity of the unwanted activity of the masticatory muscles and associated health complaints are reduced by the Botox treatment. Some studies show that botulinum toxin (Botox) is significantly more effective compared to conventional splint treatment. In the medical guideline for bruxism treatment, Botox is designated as one of the few substances effective against teeth grinding.
The effect of the therapy lasts about four to six months and can be repeated as often as desired.
Botox for teeth grinding in Berlin - individual consultation and treatment
A bruxism treatment with Botox in our Berlin specialist practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery begins with a detailed consultation. We explain how Botox works against teeth grinding, as well as the treatment process and the expected effects. We also ask you some questions about pre-existing conditions, perform a physical examination, and analyze the musculature of your jaw region. The treatment can take place directly after the consultation.
You will usually have received the diagnosis of bruxism long before visiting your practice from your dentist - for an optimal treatment result, we are also very happy to work closely with your dentist at your request.
How quickly does a Botox treatment for bruxism work?
Botox works quickly. You will see the effect 10 to 14 days after the treatment. Slight redness or swelling in the injection area may be visible on the day of the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The causes of bruxism are not fully known. Medicine today assumes that psychological reasons such as stress and tension, as well as genetic factors, play a primary role.
The effect of the therapy lasts about four to six months. It can be repeated as often as desired.
Bruxism itself is not a disease. However, teeth grinding and clenching cause secondary symptoms with disease value, including tooth damage, headaches, and sometimes severe tension in the neck and shoulder area.
Botox for teeth grinding is suitable for all patients who suffer from bruxism (sleep bruxism and awake bruxism) and do not achieve sustainable results with conventional splint treatment. Medical studies show that Botox injections achieve significantly better results in alleviating symptoms caused by bruxism compared to splints.
Due to the overuse of the masticatory muscles, the masseter muscle - one of the four masticatory muscles in the lateral jaw area - can enlarge, making the face appear more angular and square. Treatment with Botox injections reduces this situation.
If Botox therapy for teeth grinding is performed by an experienced specialist in plastic surgery, no unwanted side effects are to be expected. The injections are dosed in such a way that muscle activity is dampened but not fundamentally impaired. The treatment has no negative influence on natural facial expressions or the functionality of the masticatory muscles.
Botox is used in plastic surgery in a very versatile way. A Botox treatment is indicated, for example, for the following complaints:
- Botox for wrinkle treatment
- Botox for a non-surgical eyebrow lift
- Botox for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Botox for sweat treatment on hands and feet
- Botox for the treatment of migraines
- Botox for masseter treatment (reduction of muscle activity to reduce excessive development of the masticatory muscles).
Do you have questions about treatment for teeth grinding with Botox in Berlin?
Do you have questions about bruxism?
Should you still have any questions, we would be happy to discuss them with you personally and without obligation in our Berlin practice.