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Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Bruxism is a condition where a person unconsciously clenches or grinds their teeth, often during sleep. This can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. An effective treatment to reduce bruxism is the injection of muscle relaxants into the chewing muscle, also known as the masseter muscle. These injections relax the muscles and thereby reduce grinding and clenching, alleviating pain and discomfort.

  • Price: €300
  • Treatment time: 15 minuten
  • Effect: 3 to 4 Months

Doctor Contour Clinic Bruxism Treatment

Bruxism refers to the uncontrolled grinding of teeth, which often occurs at night. The proposed treatment consists of administering anti-wrinkle injections, or muscle relaxants, into the chewing muscles on the sides of the face. These injections deactivate the chewing muscles and cause them to shrink.

This helps reduce related jaw and head pain. Overactive muscles are reduced, which can result in a slimmer and more oval-shaped face—sometimes referred to as ‘face slimming’.

Who is this bruxism treatment suitable for?

People who suffer from overactive jaw muscles, jaw pain, and resulting headaches due to teeth grinding. Some patients also experience enamel wear from this issue and may require a referral to the dentist.

What are the benefits of a bruxism treatment?

  1. Relief from Jaw Joint Pain: This treatment can help reduce pain in the temporomandibular joint, located near the ears. It is especially beneficial for people suffering from TMJ dysfunction, a condition that can be worsened by overactive jaw muscles.

  2. Reduction of Nighttime Teeth Grinding: The injections can decrease involuntary teeth grinding during sleep, contributing to better rest and reducing tooth wear.

  3. Refinement of the Jawline: By relaxing the jaw muscles, the treatment can contribute to a slimmer and more defined shape of the lower part of the face.

When are the results visible and how long do they last?

After one week, patients will notice a reduction in muscle strength, resulting in less nighttime grinding. After two weeks, the face will appear noticeably slimmer, with a more V-shaped appearance. Results typically last 3 to 4 months, depending on the severity of bruxism and the size of the jaw muscles.

How often are injections necessary?

The frequency depends on various factors such as lifestyle, the degree of chewing, nighttime teeth grinding, metabolism, the size of the chewing muscles, and the desired results. Maintenance treatments are generally needed every 3 to 4 months.

Are there any side effects?

Possible side effects include mild pain and bruising at the injection site. Some patients may experience reduced chewing ability, but this is usually well tolerated.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is often associated with stress.

Before and Aftercare

Prijzen Spierontspanners (BTX)

FAQ

With a thin needle, muscle-relaxing injections are administered into specific facial muscles. These block the signals between the nerve and muscle. This leads to reduced muscle activity, causing wrinkles and lines to become less visible or even disappear completely.

Within 2-8 days after the injection, the wrinkles start to fade. After about 4 weeks, the optimal effect is visible. This effect lasts between 6-8 weeks. From 8 weeks onwards, the effect gradually decreases. After 12 weeks, the effect is approximately halved and after 4 months, 80% of the effect has disappeared. Many patients choose to repeat the treatment every 3-4 months, but this varies per person. Men, people who exercise and people with a more muscular appearance may need larger and more frequent doses.

Although wrinkle injections are a medical procedure performed by a doctor and do carry some risks, they are generally considered safe with a low risk of complications.

  • Common bruising and swelling at the injection site.
  • Mild headache after injection in about 10% of cases, usually not longer than 24 hours.
  • Drooping of eyebrow or eyelid in 2% of patients, can last up to 3 weeks.
  • Sometimes multiple treatments are needed for best results.
  • Infections are very rare.

The treatment causes minimal pain. There is a slight prick during the injection and a short burning sensation. Although the treatment itself only takes about 5 minutes, there are preparatory steps such as taking pictures, signing a consent form and disinfection, making the total appointment about 30 minutes.

Your aesthetic doctor, Dr. Kim Detollenaere, may advise you to frequently frown or make other facial expressions during the first few days.

  • Avoid pressure on the treated area for the first 24-48 hours.
  • Do not touch or massage the treated area, especially within 24 hours.
  • Wait to apply makeup until at least 6-8 hours after the treatment, or preferably until the next day.

Approximately 2 weeks after your initial treatment, a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled to assess the results. To maintain the effects, regular treatments are recommended; you can discuss this with your doctor during your appointment.

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