Botox for Bruxism

A better life starts with a beautiful smile

Botox Treatment for bruxism (teeth grinding) in Miami at Aria Smile Design. Relieve jaw pain and protect your teeth.

Botox is a neuromodulatory substance mainly known for its use in medical-aesthetic procedures to reduce or eliminate wrinkles. However, in recent times, it has also become a powerful ally for dentists and dental clinics like Aria Smile Design, especially in the treatment of bruxism (teeth grinding).

To achieve significant improvements, botulinum toxin type A is injected into the masseter muscles (responsible for chewing) with the aim of reducing their excessive activity, controlling headaches, and stopping the wear of the teeth. Patients who adopt this approach also experience prolonged relief without the need for more invasive interventions.

What Is Bruxism and Why Does It Occur?

Bruxism causes the teeth to clench against each other involuntarily, especially during the night. As a consequence, severe complications develop, ranging from chronic pain and dental wear to migraines, sleep disorders, jaw weakening, and permanent tooth loss.

Considered for years as a bad habit that people could remedy on their own, today it is known that teeth grinding is a disease with a multifactorial origin. Stress, anxiety, sleep apnea, and incorrect alignment of the teeth are some of the most common causes of this problem. It has even been proven that some medications, such as antidepressants or those used to treat HIV, may be related to the appearance or worsening of this disorder.

How Does Botox Help in the Treatment of Bruxism?

Botox acts directly on the muscle that causes the problem. This very innovative form of treatment that we offer in our clinic focuses on the roots of the problem and not just its consequences. Unlike traditional alternatives such as dental splints or night guards, botulinum toxin type A reduces muscle hyperactivity and helps the jaw relax.

Benefits of Using Botox for Teeth Grinding

Among the most significant benefits, we can mention the considerable reduction in grinding episodes, both during the day and during sleep hours. In this way, progressive damage to the teeth and the temporomandibular joint is also prevented.

Another considerable advantage has to do with the form of application, since a single treatment session provides prolonged relief for three to six months, depending on each person’s metabolism. Other symptoms that improve with Botox injections include jaw and facial pain, headaches, and sleep problems.

What to Expect During a Botox Treatment for Bruxism

Botox treatment for bruxism is, above all, minimally invasive, which means that patients who choose this alternative will feel very little or no discomfort during the sessions, which are, in addition, healthy, safe, and effective. It is important to add that the injections are planned to affect exact points of your jaw region and, therefore, do not require hospitalization or the use of general anesthesia.

The first step of the process is, of course, an evaluation consultation in which our specialists will analyze the degree of progression of your condition, the location of the masseter muscles, and the possible involvement of other tissues related to the chewing function. The application of botulinum toxin type A is performed during a short, outpatient appointment that usually lasts between 10 and 20 minutes.

To make the experience even more tolerable, we apply local anesthetic creams to numb the area before inserting the needles. In this way, if you need to, you can resume your daily activities immediately after undergoing the treatment. That said, we recommend not rubbing the treated area, not lying down, and not engaging in intense physical activity during the first 4 to 6 hours afterward, to prevent the product from shifting.

Generally, improvement begins to be noticed within the first three to seven days after the application, reaching its peak in about two weeks. Another great advantage of this approach is that it hardly causes side effects and that the results of a single session can last up to six months, the ideal time to repeat the dose.

Ideal Candidates for Botox Treatment for Bruxism

Knowing whether you are a good candidate for this treatment is essential, as it enables you to make informed decisions about your health. Some of the characteristics of patients who can benefit from Botox injections are the following:

Patients suffering from moderate to severe bruxism.
Patients experiencing symptoms such as persistent jaw pain, facial tension, frequent headaches, or progressive dental wear.
Patients who have tried night guards without success.
People with bruxism induced by stress or anxiety.
People with jaw stiffness upon waking, joint noises, or facial fatigue.
Patients with contraindications to certain invasive dental treatments.
People who do not wish to resort to surgical procedures.

It is also essential to understand that, although Botox is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for most patients, there are some contraindications and precautions about which you also need to gather information and discuss with our specialists during your first evaluation consultation.

Among the most common restrictions we can mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, neuromuscular disorders, coagulation problems, active infections or inflammations in the application area, and allergies to botulinum toxin type A itself. Likewise, it is advisable to watch for possible adverse interactions with other medications such as gentamicin, muscle relaxants, or even benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam).

Botox vs. Other Treatments for Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, has traditionally been treated for its consequences or symptoms. Both dental splints and physical therapies or medications focus on minimizing the consequences, while the therapeutic use of Botox manages to relieve the muscular causes of the problem.

In the case of splints, for example, they are a physical barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent friction, wear, and fractures. The limitations of this method are precisely that it does not relieve jaw pain and requires constant use to be effective.

On the other hand, the use of medications may trigger unwanted side effects, long-term dependency, or prove ineffective if the physical origins of the problem are not addressed. Meanwhile, specialized physical therapy, although it offers progressive relief, requires multiple sessions to achieve it.

Cost of Botox Treatment for Bruxism at Aria Smile Design

The cost of each Botox session for bruxism in Miami usually ranges between $350 and $1000, depending on the number of units required and the complexity of the particular case. At Aria Smile Design, we offer an unbeatable price around 700 USD for every 50ml of the toxin.

This value also depends on the quality of the product and the experience of our specialists. Once you come in for your first evaluation with us, we will be able to assess the extent of the treatment you need and know exactly the budget you might require. To facilitate your access to these advanced procedures, we also offer financing options with CareCredit and Cherry. At the moment, we do not work with private dental insurance.

Top Reasons to Choose Us for Your Botox Treatment for Bruxism in Miami

At our clinic, we always offer the most modern approaches, and Botox treatment for bruxism is no exception. We have the best specialists, capable of helping you find a solution for teeth grinding. Other reasons to choose us include:

Personalized clinical evaluations.
Treatment plans tailored to each person’s symptoms, needs, and lifestyle.
Natural and functional results thanks to our cutting-edge technology.
Minimal recovery time.
Flexible schedules and appointments.
Affordable financing and payment plans.

Another determining factor has to do with communication. Our friendly team will accompany you throughout the process, explaining each step of the procedure, the estimated cost, the expected effects, and the aftercare instructions.

Book Your Botox Consultation at Aria Smile Design Today

Have you been struggling with bruxism, suffering from jaw pain, or constant headaches? Have you tried numerous treatments, and none have given you the relief you need? Well, at Aria Smile Design, we have a novel solution that can help you address not only the symptoms of bruxism but also its physical causes.

We are talking about Botox as an effective and minimally invasive method to resolve this complex health issue. If you think this alternative may be the right one for you, don’t wait, call us today at (786) 475 9041 to schedule your first evaluation consultation and talk to our specialists about the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Botox Safe for the Treatment of Bruxism?

Of course—this is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself before deciding whether Botox treatment for bruxism is the solution you’ve been looking for. And the answer, based on scientific evidence and years of clinical application, is yes; botulinum toxin type A is a safe method to treat teeth grinding, especially when administered by a qualified professional, like those on our clinic’s team.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this product has been approved for multiple medical uses, including muscle spasms, chronic migraines, and certain neuromuscular conditions such as cervical dystonia. It is important to add that although its specific application to treat bruxism is not yet among the FDA’s original indications, numerous studies have shown that it is an effective and safe procedure.

How Long Does the Effect of Botox for Bruxism Last?

In most cases, the first effects of Botox begin to be noticed between three and seven days after the application. The most significant benefits, for example, are reached during the first two to four weeks, when patients typically report greater relief, a notable reduction in grinding, and better nighttime rest.

Considering each person’s physical condition (metabolism, muscle strength, and response to treatment), the duration of Botox effects can vary from three to six months, so to enjoy its results, it is recommended to establish a personalized maintenance schedule. Such a calendar may include new sessions every four or five months to achieve greater stability.

Is Botox Treatment for Bruxism Covered by Insurance?

Generally, Botox for strictly cosmetic purposes is not usually covered by insurance. However, when it is used for therapeutic purposes, there is a possibility that your policy may partially or fully cover the treatment, depending on the specifics of your plan.

It’s important to understand that the definitive answer to this question depends on your medical or dental insurance provider, because Botox for treating bruxism is considered an “off-label” application, which means that although the FDA recognizes it for other medical uses, it still does not have specific approval for teeth grinding.

It is also relevant to mention that, at our clinic, we currently do not work with any private insurance providers, although we do offer competitive payment plans and financing options with CareCredit and Cherry.

How Many Units of Botox Are Needed to Treat Bruxism?

The number of Botox units needed to treat bruxism varies by patient, the degree of deterioration of their jaw muscles, and the level of progression of the condition. In general terms, most Botox treatments for bruxism require between 20 and 30 units per side, that is, between 40 and 60 units in total for both masseter muscles.

Why Choose a Dentist for Botox Instead of a Dermatologist or Med Spa?

The advantages of choosing a dentist for your Botox treatment for bruxism are many, and below we mention the most relevant ones:

In-depth knowledge of orofacial anatomy.
Medical training and specialized licenses.
Clinical precision in identifying injection points.
Complete functional evaluation.
Ability to integrate Botox with other dental treatments.
Treatment focused on the root cause of the problem.
Greater experience in treating conditions related to chewing, speech, and nighttime rest.
Ability to respond to any adverse reaction.
Professional follow-up and personalized care throughout the treatment and recovery phase.

These benefits are broad and are related, among other factors, to the extensive anatomical experience, functional precision, and comprehensive therapeutic approach that a dentist can provide. At our clinic, we have highly talented specialists, capable of performing the procedure in a safe medical environment, with updated protocols and high-comfort facilities.

Does Aria Smile Design Offer Other Botox Applications?

Yes, at our clinic, we offer applications of botulinum toxin Type A that go beyond therapeutic use and fall into the aesthetic field. Our goal is to guarantee you complementary services that can help you improve both the harmony of your face and the functionality of your smile.

Our specialists are trained to apply Botox in strategic areas of the face, helping to reduce expression lines and smooth dynamic wrinkles, such as those that form on the forehead or between the eyebrows. We also perform dermal fillers for lips, ideal for you if, in addition to correcting teeth grinding, you want to increase lip volume, define contours, and improve facial symmetry.

How Long Does Relief Take After Botox Treatment?

One of the most positive aspects of using Botox to treat the symptoms and causes of bruxism is precisely that it begins to act quickly and offers progressive results. After the first session, you will begin to feel the initial effects from the third or fourth day, as the muscles gradually relax.

During these days, you will also experience a reduction in the sensation of pressure or stiffness in the jaw, and greater ease in opening and closing your mouth without discomfort. Finally, the most noticeable relief may arrive between the first and second week after treatment, which significantly reduces the involuntary activity that causes grinding and clenching.

Can I Eat and Speak Normally After the Treatment?

Yes, it is possible to eat and speak normally after Botox treatment, although it is advisable to avoid hard foods for the first 24 to 48 hours, to allow the muscles to adapt to the impact of the product gradually. It is also advisable not to massage or press the treated area to prevent the product from shifting.

As for speech, this is a function that can sometimes be affected by the most severe cases of bruxism, so in general, after the procedure, you may notice greater comfort when speaking and laughing, as the reduction in jaw tension eliminates discomfort or blockages that previously went unnoticed.

Is Botox a Permanent Cure for Bruxism?

No, Botox does not constitute a permanent cure for bruxism, although it is one of the most effective, fast, and safe solutions to control it. Thanks to its use, many patients experience a progressive reduction in the intensity of teeth grinding. To maintain long-term effects, it is necessary to follow a reapplication schedule approximately every six months.

Do Botox Injections for Bruxism Hurt?

Generally, Botox injections for bruxism do not cause pain, only slight discomfort at the time of application. Patients usually describe this sensation as a light prick or brief pressure, similar to that of a vaccine. At our clinic, we also use ultra-fine needles as well as local anesthetic creams to make the procedure much more comfortable.