What Is Masseter Botox?

Masseter Botox is an injection containing botulinum toxin that is applied to the masseter muscle in the jaw area. This muscle is a strong muscle used during chewing. An overdeveloped masseter muscle can give the lower part of the face a square appearance. Masseter Botox is applied to treat muscle enlargement (hypertrophy) that develops as a result of teeth clenching (bruxism) and overuse of the jaw muscles.

Why Is Masseter Botox Performed?

• Changing the shape of the chin: To provide an aesthetic appearance by thinning the facial contour. It is applied to those who want to make the square jaw appearance more oval.
• Tooth clenching and grinding: Reducing teeth clenching and grinding by relaxing the jaw muscles. These habits can cause jaw muscle enlargement and headaches. Masseter Botox can alleviate these problems. It is applied to relieve jaw pain, headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by teeth clenching.
• Migraine: Some studies show that masseter botox can reduce migraine pain.

How Is It Applied?

The area is anesthetized before the procedure. Small doses of botox are injected into the masseter muscle with a thin needle. The procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes. The effect starts in 2-3 days and lasts 3-4 months. With a second masseter botox injection 3-4 months later, the effect lasts longer than the first time.

Benefits

• Thinning of the chin shape: The face gains a more oval and soft appearance.
• Reduction of teeth clenching and grinding: The pressure on the teeth and jaw joints decreases.
• Reduction of migraine pain: Migraine frequency and severity may decrease in some people.
• Fast and easy application: It is applied in a short time and with minimal pain.

Side Effects

• Redness and swelling: May be seen temporarily at the injection site.
• Dry mouth: It is a rare side effect.
• Asymmetry: In very rare cases, it may cause the face to appear asymmetrical.

Who Can Have It Done?

• Healthy individuals: Anyone in good general health can have it done.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Botox application is not recommended during this period.
• Those who use blood thinners: You should not have the application without consulting your doctor.

Botox In Dentistry

Botox is a safe and effective method used not only to remove wrinkles on the face, but also in dentistry for an aesthetic smile. However, like any treatment, Botox has its advantages and disadvantages. Consulting a dentist before the application is important to determine the suitability of the procedure.

Why Is Botox Used In Dentistry?

• Gummy Smile: When the upper lip is too short or the gum muscles are overworked, the gums may appear too much when smiling. Botox reduces the appearance of gums by relaxing these muscles.
• Bruxism (Teeth Clenching): Teeth clenching causes overwork of the jaw muscles and wear on the teeth. Botox reduces clenching by relaxing these muscles (masseter botox)
• Fine Lines Around the Mouth: Botox provides a younger appearance by reducing fine lines around the lips.

How Botox Application Is Performed

Botox is injected into the gum muscles or the muscles around the mouth with a tiny needle. The effect starts in about 3-7 days and lasts for 3-6 months.

Advantages Of Botox

Fast and effective results, minimal side effects, non-surgical procedure, can be combined with other aesthetic treatments.

Disadvantages Of Botox

The effect is temporary. It is not a solution for all problems. The application should be performed by a specialized dentist.

Points To Be Aware Of

A dentist should be consulted before Botox application. Botox should not be applied during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may interact with some medications.