What is jaw therapy treatment?

Jaw therapy treatment is used to treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) which is characterised by pain or tenderness in the jaw. TMJ can also cause discomfort when chewing, locking of the jaw or chronic clenching due to pain. Jaw therapy treatment can also be used to treat severe teeth grinding.

At Somersmiles, jaw therapy treatment involves injecting BOTOX® (an injectable usually used for facial aesthetics) into the masseter muscles that use the jaw to clench.

How does it work?

BOTOX® for TMJ works by interfering with the temporomandibular joint’s ability to move. It doesn’t stop it moving completely, but reduces the amount of unconscious movement, and serves to cushion the jaw during activities like talking, eating, swallowing, and other everyday activities. This can greatly reduce the tension in the jaw.

The jaw therapy treatment process

01. Treatment consultation

Before commencing treatment, you’ll have a consultation appointment to assess your symptoms and discuss your treatment options. We’ll work together to determine if jaw therapy treatment is right for you and the number of injections you’ll benefit from.

02. Treatment process

Jaw therapy treatment is a non-surgical procedure. Your dentist will administer several BOTOX® injections throughout your facial muscles including your forehead, temple and jaw muscles. Most patients report very little discomfort during their jaw therapy treatment.

03. Following your treatment

Following your treatment you will be free to return to your day as normal. If you do feel any discomfort, a cold ice-pack after treatment can feel good.

You’ll begin to feel some improvements within a day or two of treatment, but more often it takes several days before you’ll really start to notice a big difference. The treatment generally lasts around three to four months.

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