The masseter muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the body — and in many people, it is chronically overactive: nighttime teeth grinding, jaw clenching, tension extending to the temples and neck, and a lower face that appears wider with age. Botulinum toxin can specifically relieve this muscle.
When treatment is appropriate
- Bruxism: nighttime grinding and clenching of the teeth, often accompanied by headaches or jaw pain in the morning.
- Protecting your teeth when splints alone are not enough — ideally in consultation with your dentist.
- Aesthetically: a lower face that appears wide due to muscle mass, which should become narrower and softer (V-shape)
First, it's important to determine if the teeth grinding has other causes—misaligned teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, stress. Botulinum toxin treats the muscle, not the underlying cause. I discuss this openly during the initial consultation.
Effect and process
After analysis and consultation, the preparation is injected into the masseter muscle at several points—a process that takes approximately 25 minutes, including a discussion. Relief begins after a few days and is fully developed after about two weeks. Chewing strength for normal food is retained; very chewy food may initially feel unusual. A visible slimming of the lower face develops—if desired—over two to three months. The effect typically lasts four to six months.
Risks and side effects
- Pressure sensation, bruising at the injection sites
- Temporarily unusual chewing sensation when eating tough food
- Rarely, asymmetry of the smile occurs when adjacent muscles also react — rarely with anatomy-guided injection.
- Treatment is not given during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or in cases of neuromuscular diseases.
Cost
The masseter treatment costs 400 € Each appointment (approximately 25 minutes) includes a follow-up appointment after two weeks. All prices can be found at [website address]. Prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the treatment help against teeth grinding?
It reduces the force with which teeth are ground, thus relieving stress on the teeth, jaw joint, and muscles. It does not treat the underlying cause of the grinding—therefore, a thorough examination is necessary.
Will my face change?
With the appropriate dosage, the lower face can appear slimmer for months. Those who only want relief will receive a lower dosage—both options will be clearly discussed beforehand.
Can I eat normally afterwards?
Yes. Chewing ability for normal food remains intact. Very chewy or hard food may feel unusual in the first few weeks.
How often does the treatment need to be repeated?
The effect usually lasts four to six months. With regular treatment, the intervals often lengthen because the muscle loses mass.
Will this treatment replace my night guard?
No — it complements them. The splint provides mechanical protection for the teeth, while botulinum toxin reduces the force. Ideally, you should consult with your dentist.
Jaw tension, grinding or V-shape — we will clarify what makes sense for you in the initial consultation.
Medically responsible: Dr. Jan Gumilar, General Practitioner — Private Practice for Aesthetic Medicine, Brandstätte 3, 1010 Vienna. Member of the German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum and Filler Therapy (DGBT).