What exactly is TMJ disorder? The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint that allows movement for chewing, speaking, and yawning. When you have a dysfunction of this joint, symptoms such as pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and most importantly, grinding of the jaw can occur. People who suffer from this disorder experience a lot of pain and discomfort in their daily lives, especially when they wake up in the morning.
So how does Botox help with this?
Botox is popularly known for its cosmetic uses. However, it is also used medically. While most people know it for aesthetic reasons, what it actually does is temporarily relax the muscles of the joint. This helps reduce the tension people experience both consciously during the day while doing activities, and subconsciously while they’re asleep at night — such as teeth grinding and excessive clenching of the jaw.
So what are the benefits of Botox for TMJ?
Being a muscle relaxant, Botox is able to relax the muscles, giving people a lot of relief from tension, jaw aches, and especially the serious side effects like wearing down enamel and cracking of teeth. It is a relatively simple, non-invasive procedure that takes under 10 minutes to perform.
The key benefits of Botox for TMJ dysfunction are:
1. It relieves pain.
2. It improves the mobility of your jaw.
3. It is a very minimally invasive procedure.
4. Its effects are long-lasting — typically between 3 to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox for TMJ:
1. Is it safe?
Yes, it is safe. It has been approved and used for many years for this and many other applications.
2. How long does it take to see results?
It takes approximately 10 days to 2 weeks to see the full results.
3. How long do the results last?
Results typically last between 3 to 6 months.
4. Who would be a good candidate for it?
Anyone who has TMJ problems and does not have any contraindications to having Botox — for example, pregnancy, lactation, or any neuromuscular disorders.
5. What is the alternative treatment?
You can use mouth guards or bite guards, physiotherapy, medications to relieve the pain, and stress management and relaxation techniques like meditation.
What are the USPs (Unique Selling Points) of Botox for TMJ Dysfunction?
1. Non-surgical and Minimally Invasive
2. Quick and Convenient — Can be done in a lunch break.
3. Very Effective — Providing good patient satisfaction and relief of pain.
4. Preserves Tooth Enamel — By preventing excessive grinding and clenching.
5. Improves Mobility and Function
6. Long-lasting, Safe, and Well-tolerate