Jaw clenching and teeth grinding can lead to overactive masseter muscles, jaw tightness, muscle discomfort, and increased bite force.
At Solara Aesthetics, Dr. Jennifer Aranas offers individualized masseter neuromodulator treatment for appropriate patients experiencing symptoms associated with bruxism or chronic jaw clenching.
All consultations and injections are personally performed by Dr. Aranas.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is repetitive jaw-muscle activity that can include clenching, grinding, or bracing of the jaw. It may occur while awake or during sleep.
Some patients may experience:
- Frequent jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- Jaw muscle tightness or fatigue
- Discomfort in the masseter muscles
- Prominent or enlarged masseter muscles
- Dental wear or other problems identified by their dentist
How Can Neuromodulator Treatment Help?
Neuromodulator injections temporarily reduce contraction of the targeted masseter muscles. This may decrease excessive muscle activity and associated symptoms in some patient
Treatment does not cure the underlying cause of bruxism, and results vary from person to person
What Happens During Treatment?
Consultation
Dr. Aranas reviews your symptoms, medical history, jaw anatomy, and masseter muscle activity to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Treatment
Small amounts of neuromodulator are injected into specific areas of the masseter muscles.
Results
Muscle activity gradually decreases after treatment. Effects typically develop over the following days and weeks.
Follow-Up
Your response and muscle function can be reassessed after treatment.
Who May Be a Candidate?
You may want to discuss masseter neuromodulator treatment if you experience:
- Persistent jaw clenching or grinding
- Overactive or enlarged masseter muscles
- Jaw muscle tightness or discomfort associated with clenching
- Persistent muscular symptoms despite conservative measures
Treatment is not appropriate for everyone. A consultation is required before treatment.
FAQ
No. Masseter neuromodulator treatment does not replace appropriate dental evaluation or treatment.
Night guards and neuromodulator treatment serve different purposes. A dental appliance may help protect the teeth from damage related to grinding, while neuromodulator treatment targets excessive activity of the injected masseter muscles.
Patients with dental, joint, bite, or sleep-related concerns should continue appropriate evaluation and treatment with their dentist or other healthcare professional.
The use of botulinum toxin for bruxism and masseter treatment is considered off-label in the United States.
Off-label use means an FDA-approved medication is being used for a condition or treatment area that is not specifically included in its FDA-approved labeling. Dr. Aranas will discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and risks with you before treatment.
Results are temporary and treatment response varies by patient. Repeat treatment may be considered based on symptoms, examination, and response to previous treatment.
Yes. Possible effects of masseter neuromodulator treatment can include:
- Pain, swelling, redness, or bruising at injection sites
- Temporary muscle weakness
- Changes in chewing strength
- Smile or facial asymmetry
- Changes in the appearance or volume of the lower face
- Headache
Rare but serious adverse effects are reviewed as part of the informed-consent process.
Why Solara Aesthetics?
At Solara Aesthetics, every consultation and injection is personally performed by Jennifer Aranas, MD, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician.
Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, anatomy, muscle activity, and goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Consultations available in English and Spanish.
For Dental Professionals
Solara Aesthetics welcomes patients referred by local dental professionals for evaluation of excessive masseter muscle activity associated with jaw clenching or bruxism.
Neuromodulator treatment is intended to complement—not replace—appropriate dental evaluation and management.
Questions about referring a patient?
520-844-4488
