Short fortemporomandibular joint, TMJ is a disorder that resides in the actual jaw joint.
The cause of these symptoms is simple: overuse.
Does Botox actually help with TMJ disorders?
Think about how Botox works: Its designed to inhibit muscle contraction.
Getting Botox wont make it impossible to open your mouth or impair your speech.
Botox does not stop muscle contraction but reduces the intensity of the contraction, says Dr. Tanenbaum.
Dr. Donald Tanenbaum is a Board Certified TMJ and Orofacial Pain Specialist
All this to say: Yes, Botox for TMJ reallydoeswork.
(But remember: This is still a relatively new practice.
MostBotox for TMJ studiesinsist that more research is needed to definitively prove the benefits of treatment.)
One thing to note: Botox isnt the answer for every TMJ/TMD issue.
According to Dr. Tanenbaum, its not regularly used to treat clicking and locking jaw issues.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
[The masseter and temporalis] bring the teeth together from an open mouth position, he explains.
These are called the jaw elevators.
At times, the jaw opening muscles, called the lateral pterygoids, also need to be injected.
Dr. Donald Tanenbaum is a Board Certified TMJ and Orofacial Pain Specialist
[But] for the most part, the temporalis and masseter are the focus of the Botox injections.
Given the size of the jaw muscles, more units of Botox are needed to adequately soothe clenching.
So, just like facial Botox, its important to know that the results wont last forever.
While rare, it is possible.
Similarly, Botox for TMJ has potential side effects, but theyre uncommon.
Otherwise, patients can chew, swallow, and speak without concern.
These treatments are often helpful on their own or make the Botox treatments more beneficial.
The Takeaway
Before modern medical advances, TMJ used to be alleviated without the use of neuromodulators.
Still, Dr. Tanenbaum says that Botox shouldnt be looked at as a solution for eternity.
After all, you dont want to overuse Botox for TMJ.
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