Are you experiencing teeth clenching or grinding, also known as bruxism? These issues can lead to jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth, and even disrupted sleep. If you’re seeking an alternative to wearing a night guard, muscle relaxant injections offer an effective solution to reduce these symptoms and protect your teeth.

How do muscle relaxant injections work for clenching and grinding?

Botulinum Toxin is a purified protein that, when injected into specific muscles, temporarily reduces their activity. For teeth clenching and grinding, Botulinum Toxin is strategically injected into the masseter and sometimes the temporalis muscles, which are the primary muscles responsible for jaw movement and forceful grinding.

By relaxing these overactive muscles, Botulinum Toxin reduces the intensity and frequency of involuntary clenching and grinding, effectively decreasing the pressure on your teeth and jaw joints. This relaxation helps to alleviate the associated pain, prevent further enamel wear, reduce jaw muscle hypertrophy (enlargement), and minimise the risk of long-term damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw joints.

The injections typically take effect within 3-7 days after the treatment and can last between 3 to 6 months. The treatment can be repeated as needed to maintain the results, and with consistent use, many patients experience a long-term reduction in bruxism symptoms.

What makes muscle relaxant injections different from a night guard?

While night guards are a common treatment for bruxism, they primarily serve as a protective barrier to prevent direct contact between the teeth, reducing damage from grinding. However, they don’t address the root cause of bruxism, which is the excessive muscle activity.

Muscle relaxant injections, on the other hand, target and treat the source of the problem by directly relaxing the overactive jaw muscles responsible for clenching and grinding. This means you’re not only protecting your teeth but also reducing the strain on your jaw and relieving associated pain and discomfort. This treatment offers a more comprehensive and long-term solution, especially for patients who find wearing a night guard uncomfortable, inconvenient, or ineffective.

What’s the procedure for muscle relaxant injections?

1. Consultation and Assessment: During your initial consultation, our dentist will assess the severity of your bruxism, examine your jaw muscles, and discuss your symptoms. This assessment helps to determine the precise areas where the injections will be most effective.
2. The Injection Process: Using a fine needle, small amounts of Botulinum Toxin are carefully injected into the targeted jaw muscles, primarily the masseter and, if needed, the temporalis muscles. The procedure is relatively quick, usually taking around 10-15 minutes, and most patients experience minimal discomfort, often described as a slight pinch or sting.
3. Aftercare and Results: After the treatment, there is no downtime, and you can return to your daily activities immediately. You may notice a reduction in clenching and grinding within a few days, with full results typically visible within 1-2 weeks. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your progress and determine if further treatment is needed

Who is an ideal candidate for injections for bruxism?

Muscle relaxant injections are suitable for patients experiencing moderate to severe teeth clenching and grinding, especially those who have not found relief with night guards or who suffer from symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth. It’s also an excellent option for patients looking for a non-invasive, convenient solution that doesn’t involve wearing a device overnight.

However, this treatment may not be recommended for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular disorders. Our dental team at Starbright Dental will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.

Benefits of choosing muscle relaxant injections for clenching and grinding:

1. Effective Muscle Relaxation: Reduces the intensity of jaw muscle activity, providing relief from clenching and grinding.
   Prevents Further
2. Damage: Protects teeth from excessive wear, enamel loss, and fractures caused by bruxism.
3. Alleviates Jaw Pain and Headaches: Relieves tension in the jaw muscles, reducing associated pain and discomfort.
4. Non-Invasive Treatment: Quick procedure with no downtime, allowing you to resume normal activities immediately.
5. Long-Lasting Relief: Effects last 3 to 6 months, with many patients experiencing a significant reduction in bruxism symptoms over time.

If you’re interested in exploring how muscle relaxant injections can help with teeth clenching and grinding, our team at Starbright Dental is here to guide you. Fill out the enquiry form on our website or call us on 07 5591 3620 directly to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find the right solution for a healthier, more comfortable smile!