Botox is an injection treatment used to temporarily relax muscles and reduce symptoms like jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism). It can provide significant relief for several months at a time. Here’s a closer look at how long Botox tends to last when treating jaw clenching and grinding.
What Causes Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding?
Jaw clenching and teeth grinding often happen due to stress or anxiety. It can also occur due to misaligned teeth or other dental issues. Sometimes it happens during sleep without the person even realizing it. This is called sleep bruxism.
Over time, chronic jaw clenching and grinding can damage teeth and lead to symptoms like:
- Worn down teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Sore or painful jaw muscles
- Temple headaches
- Earaches
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
Botox injections work by temporarily relaxing the muscles involved in repetitive clenching and grinding. This provides relief from symptoms and prevents further damage while the Botox is active.
How Does Botox Work for Jaw Clenching and Grinding?
Botox is the brand name for onabotulinumtoxinA. It’s synthesized from the same bacterium that causes botulism. When small doses are injected into a muscle, it blocks signals from the nerves to the muscle.
This causes the muscle to relax and reduces its ability to contract. The effects are temporary and muscle action returns to normal as the Botox is metabolized and excreted from the body over several months.
For jaw clenching and teeth grinding, Botox is carefully injected into the masseter muscles along the jawline as well as muscles at the temple. This weakens the repetitive clenching motions and provides relief from symptoms.
How Long Does Botox Last for Jaw Clenching?
On average, the effects of Botox for jaw clenching and grinding last approximately 3-6 months. However, the exact duration varies between individuals and depends on several factors:
- Botox dosage – The more units injected, the longer the effects typically last.
- Muscle mass – People with larger masseter muscles may metabolize Botox quicker.
- Age – Younger patients tend to have a shorter response than older patients.
- Gender – Effects may not last as long in men compared to women.
- Metabolism – A faster metabolism can mean shorter duration of Botox.
Repeat Botox injections are needed approximately every 3 to 6 months for most people to maintain relief from jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
Initial Treatment
The first Botox treatment for jaw clenching often provides the shortest duration of effect. Many patients get relief for 3-4 months from the initial injections before the muscles become active again.
Repeat Treatments
Repeat Botox treatments for bruxism tend to last longer. The muscles appear to get “trained” to remain relaxed for longer periods. Subsequent treatments may provide relief for 5-6 months after the same dosage.
What Factors Affect How Long Botox Lasts?
The typical 3-6 month duration of Botox can be affected by several individual factors:
Botox Dosage
The dose of Botox units injected is the main factor affecting how long the results will last. Approximately 15-40 units are injected for bruxism, depending on the size of the masseter muscles and other factors. More units causes longer paralysis of the muscles.
Muscle Mass
People with larger masseter muscles along the jawline may metabolize Botox more quickly. Larger muscles require more toxin to relax and have more surface area to absorb the Botox. This can result in a shorter duration of effect.
Age
Studies show that younger patients tend to have a shorter response to Botox treatments. People under 30 may only get 2-3 months of relief before repeat injections become necessary. Older patients are more likely to have longer lasting results from the same Botox dosage.
Gender
Some research suggests that Botox can last longer in women compared to men. One study found an average duration of 4 months in women, versus just 2.5 months for men who received injections for wrinkle reduction. Hormonal factors may play a role.
Metabolism
The speed of a person’s basal metabolic rate can affect how quickly their body breaks down and excretes the Botox toxin. Those with naturally faster metabolisms may require more frequent repeat treatments to maintain results.
Other Factors
How often a person uses the injected muscles also plays a role. Athletes or bodybuilders who regularly use their masseter muscles may see shorter Botox duration. The severity of jaw clenching or grinding habits can also impact duration.
Can the Duration of Botox Be Extended?
There are a few methods that may help extend the duration of Botox results by a few weeks or months:
- Higher dosage at subsequent treatments
- Being consistent with follow-up appointments every 3 months
- Avoiding rubbing or massaging treated areas
- Asking about Botox “booster” injections between treatments
- Trying laser or ultrasound treatments to enhance absorption
However, there are limits to how long Botox can remain effective even with these techniques. Repeat visits are still required approximately every 3-6 months for most patients.
What Are the Side Effects of Botox for Jaw Clenching?
When performed correctly by an experienced clinician, Botox injections are generally safe with minimal risks of side effects. Possible temporary side effects include:
- Discomfort or pain at the injection sites
- Bruising around injection sites
- Headache
- Jaw weakness when eating or swallowing
- Crooked smile
- Drooping mouth corners
- Dry mouth
These effects typically dissipate within a week or two. There are very rare risks like infection, swelling or muscle paralysis in nearby areas. Choosing an experienced doctor helps avoid complications.
What About Botox for TMJ Disorder?
Botox injections can provide temporary relief for symptoms of TMJ disorders like jaw pain, popping sounds, and lockjaw. However, results may not last as long compared to treating just jaw clenching and grinding.
Studies show Botox may only provide 1-3 months of TMJ relief before repeat injections become necessary. It helps relax chewing muscles but doesn’t address underlying joint problems. Other TMJ treatments may be needed for more lasting results.
How Much Does Botox for Jaw Clenching Cost?
| Botox Units | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 15 units | $250 – $500 per treatment |
| 30 units | $500 – $1,000 per treatment |
| 40 units | $750 – $1,500 per treatment |
Most patients require between 15-40 units per treatment. Full cost depends on units needed and your provider’s pricing. With insurance coverage, you may pay $100-200 out of pocket per session.
Other Potential Costs
- Anesthesia – $100-$200 per treatment
- Imaging – $100-$500 if CT scans are needed to guide injections
- Follow-up visits – Approximately $100-$200 if needed between treatments
Is Botox Covered by Insurance for Jaw Clenching?
Most dental and medical insurance plans don’t cover Botox yet as an accepted treatment for teeth grinding or TMJ disorders. There are some exceptions depending on your plan and diagnosis.
Plans that cover Botox for jaw clenching may include:
- Federal government employee insurance
- Plans that cover TMJ treatment
- Plans that cover Botox for migraine treatment
Out-of-pocket costs can range from $0 to $1,500 per treatment session depending on your insurance. Talk to your provider about potential coverage and self-pay options.
Conclusion
Botox injections offer relatively fast relief from jaw clenching and teeth grinding that can last 3-6 months between treatments. Exact Botox duration and frequency of injections depends on your individual dosage, muscle size, age, metabolism and other factors.
While inconvenient, getting repeat Botox treatments every 3-4 months is necessary for most bruxism sufferers to prevent symptoms from returning. When done properly, Botox provides a safe way to give overused jaw muscles a much-needed break.