Botulinum toxin treatment

Botulinum toxin (often known by brands such as c) is a purified protein used in tiny, targeted doses to relax overactive muscles. In dentistry, it can reduce excessive jaw activity, relieve associated pain and support both oral health and facial balance.

At Mason Square Dental, treatment is delivered by dentists who understand the complex relationship between your teeth, bite, jaw joints and facial muscles, allowing for carefully planned, highly localised injections.

Conditions Botulinum toxin treats

Botulinum toxin treatment may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan for:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Helps reduce muscle overactivity contributing to jaw pain, clicking, stiffness and limited opening.
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) and pathologic clenching; Lowers biting force, which can ease jaw pain, tension headaches and tooth wear from grinding or clenching—especially at night.
• Mandibular spasm; Relaxes involuntary jaw muscle spasms that can interfere with comfortable speaking, chewing or opening.
• Masseteric hypertrophy (enlarged jaw muscles); Reduces bulk in overdeveloped masseter muscles, which can soften a very square lower face and relieve muscle fatigue.
• Gummy smile (excessive gingival display); Carefully placed injections can lower excessive upper lip elevation when smiling, revealing more teeth and less gum.

Mason Square dentists will always assess whether Botulinum toxin is appropriate for your specific diagnosis and may recommend it alongside splints, restorative treatment or physiotherapy where suitable.

How treatment works

Botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that tell your muscle fibres to contract. When targeted into overactive jaw or facial muscles, this reduces excessive movement while preserving normal function for speaking, chewing and expression.

• Minimally invasive procedure; A fine needle is used to place small amounts of Botulinum toxin into carefully selected muscles, such as the masseter or temporalis.
  • No general anaesthetic is required; most people describe the sensation as a brief sting or pinch.
• Onset and duration; Initial effects are often noticed within several days, with peak benefit generally reached around 1–2 weeks.
  •  Results typically last around 3–4 months, after which muscles gradually regain activity and treatment can be repeated if appropriate.
• Combined care; Many patients benefit most when Botulinum toxin is integrated with other therapies, such as occlusal splints, bite adjustment or restorative care, depending on their condition.