You’ve probably heard about the use of Botox for smoothing wrinkles or enhancing cheeks or lips. But did you know that Botox is an effective treatment for TMJ disorder?
TMJ affects the jaw and surrounding facial muscles. It can be serious, causing chronic jaw pain and other symptoms.
Since TMJ affects more than just bones and teeth, a biological treatment approach is often the best option.
If you suffer from this painful disorder, here’s everything you should know about Botox for TMJ and how Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa could be your solution.
TMJ Symptoms
Some common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Jaw pain
- Pain that spreads to the face or neck
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Facial swelling
- Limited capacity to open or close jaw
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Hearing loss
- Headaches, migraines, or toothaches
- Change in tooth alignment
Causes of TMJ
Some common causes of TMJ disorder include teeth grinding, teeth clenching, and aggressive chewing of crunchy or hard foods. In severe cases, the jaw can lock, preventing you from opening your mouth completely.
Stress can increase the symptoms of TMJ. If you’re under a great deal of stress at work, school, or home, you may notice the muscles around your face and neck seem tense.
This can result in the clenching of the teeth. All of these factors can contribute to jaw pain and symptoms of TMJ.
Genetics, pain perception, and life and emotional stressors may all play a role in developing TMJ disorder.
Botox for TMJ Procedure
Botox has become a popular treatment at Colair Beauty Lounge to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ. Our patients have come to us looking for relief from their symptoms. It can help solve the problem temporarily but does not treat the root cause of the disorder.
A recent study found that Botox injections improved TMJ symptoms in 90% of patients who failed to respond to more conservative methods of treatment. (e.g., stress relief or mouth guards).
The number of injections needed depends on the severity of the condition. Standard doses range from 20 to 50 units of Botox on either side of the face in the forehead, temples, or jaw muscles.
The goal is to relax the affected muscles, relieving soreness and tension.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
You may notice the results within 24 to 48 hours. Full results may take one to two weeks.
Botox is often called a “lunch-break procedure.” Each treatment typically takes under 15 minutes.
How Long Do the Effects of Botox Last?
The lasting effects of Botox treatment vary from person to person. The results usually last from three to six months or longer.
Pending your consultation, one of Colair’s nurses may recommend regular injections to maintain the positive effects of treatment. Botox is effective in temporarily reducing pain, jaw tension, and other TMJ symptoms.
It may improve chewing ability and jaw movement as well.
Does Botox Change the Shape of Your Face?
Botox may change the shape of your face but in a good way. When you experience TMJ pain, you may tense and overwork your jaw muscles.
This can make your face appear distorted and wider. You may appear tired or stressed as well.
Botox can release the tension and ease the pain, making you look more youthful and refreshed.
Who Is a Candidate for Botox Treatment?
If you suffer from TMJ symptoms and other treatments haven’t worked for you, Botox may bring some welcome relief. Botox treatments can alleviate TMJ symptoms, including:
- Muscle spasms
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Lockjaw
Botox may help relieve your pain and relax your jaw. Colair may offer this as a complementary treatment for TMJ.
For many people, Botox is the only treatment that works for their TMJ symptoms.
Who Shouldn’t Get Botox?
If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a history of neurological disease, you should avoid Botox. If you’re interested in Botox treatment, one of our registered nurses about whether it’s a safe treatment choice for you.
What to Expect
Knowing what to expect before Botox treatment can help reduce your anxiety and prepare for the procedure. You will first have a consultation scheduled with one of our registered nurses to find out what will work best for you.
We will review your symptoms and discuss any risks associated with the procedure. From there we’ll determine the number of injections needed and where they should go.
Your RN may apply a numbing cream to the injection sites or use a cold pack on the area before starting the injections. Botox injections are not painful. You may feel small pricks during the procedure.
The length of the procedure can vary. Typically Botox for TMJ symptoms takes between 10 to 30 minutes. The effects usually last 12 weeks.
Is Botox Safe?
Botox is a safe procedure, but there are risks associated with any medical procedure. Not everyone is a candidate for Botox.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and side effects of Botox and whether this treatment option may be right for you.
Botox for TMJ Pain Treatment
TMJ is a painful condition for many people. In some cases, the pain can diminish one’s quality of life. When other treatment methods have failed, Botox for TMJ may be the perfect solution.
At Colair Beauty Lounge and Med Spa, our priority is ensuring that our clients have a luxurious and rewarding salon, spa, or med spa experience.
If you’re interested in Botox treatments or other services, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.