Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, causing pain, stiffness, clicking, and difficulty chewing. It is often accompanied by bruxism — involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, frequently during sleep — which places significant stress on the masseter muscles and surrounding structures. This can lead to chronic pain the jaw, face, neck and shoulders, tension headaches and migraines, worn, chipped or cracked teeth and even altered facial shape.
Botox injections into the masseter muscles temporarily reduce the strength and force of jaw contractions, providing relief from TMJ-related pain, tension headaches, facial soreness, and bruxism. The treatment does not affect your ability to speak, eat, or chew normally.
One of the lesser-known effects of bruxism is facial reshaping. Repeated grinding over time can lead to bulking up (hypertrophy) of the masseter muscles. This can result in a broader, squarer jawline and a heavier, less defined lower face. An added benefit for some Hamilton patients: regular masseter Botox injections can also slim the lower face over time, as the masseter muscle gradually reduces in size. The face regains its natural oval or heart-shaped feminine facial contour – a dual functional and cosmetic result!
At Skinnova’s Hamilton clinic, all TMJ Botox treatments are administered by Dr. Neagoe, MD and Dr. De, MD — ensuring the clinical precision and medical oversight this treatment requires.
Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that cause involuntary muscle contractions. When injected into the masseters, the large chewing muscles on either side of the jaw, Btox reduces the force of clenching and grinding without eliminating normal jaw function. The muscle remains active for eating and speaking, but the excessive, damaging contractions that cause TMJ pain are significantly diminished.
Results develop gradually over one to two weeks and typically last three to six months. With repeat treatments, some patients experience progressively longer periods of relief.
Your appointment begins with a clinical assessment of your jaw muscles, bite pattern, and symptom history. Dr. Neagoe or Dr. De will palpate the masseter muscle to identify the optimal injection points for your anatomy.
Botox is injected bilaterally (both sides) into the masseter using a fine needle. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and requires no anesthesia, though a topical numbing cream is available. Most Hamilton patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch.
There is no downtime following TMJ Botox. You may experience mild tenderness or temporary swelling at the injection sites for a few hours. We recommend avoiding very hard or chewy foods for the remainder of the day.
Most Hamilton patients notice a reduction in jaw tension and pain within one to two weeks of treatment. Headache frequency and severity typically decrease within the same timeframe. Results last three to six months on average, with some patients reporting longer intervals with consistent maintenance treatments.
For patients also seeking facial slimming effects, visible reduction in masseter bulk typically becomes apparent at three to four months and progressively improves with repeat treatments.
Candidates for Botox TMJ Treatment
This treatment is not suitable for patients who are pregnant or nursing, or who have neuromuscular conditions that may be affected by botulinum toxin. A clinical consultation with Dr. Neagoe or Dr. De at our Hamilton clinic is required before treatment. No GP referral is needed.
Some private insurance plans in Ontario cover Botox for TMJ disorder when prescribed and documented by a physician or dentist as medically necessary. OHIP does not cover this treatment. We recommend contacting your insurance provider. Dr. Neagoe and Dr. De can provide clinical documentation to support your claim.
A dental night guard protects your teeth from grinding damage but does not address the underlying muscle contractions that cause pain. Botox reduces the actual force of jaw clenching at the muscular level — which is why many Hamilton patients find it more effective for pain and headache relief than a night guard alone. Some patients use both in combination.
Most patients require 15 to 40 units per side (30 to 80 units total) depending on the size and strength of their masseter muscles. The exact dose is determined at your consultation.
In patients with enlarged masseter muscles (common in heavy clenchers), repeated Botox treatments can gradually slim the lower face as the muscle reduces in size. For patients who do not have masseter enlargement, facial appearance is generally unchanged. Your experienced physician will discuss expected outcomes at your consultation.
Most Hamilton patients notice improvement in jaw tension and pain within 5 to 14 days of treatment, with full results apparent at two weeks.
Yes. Botox for TMJ and cosmetic neuromodulator treatments (forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet) can be performed in the same appointment. Many Skinnova patients in Hamilton find this an efficient way to address both functional and cosmetic concerns in a single visit.
Book a Botox TMJ consultation at Skinnova’s Hamilton clinic — located at 800 Queenston Rd, Stoney Creek. Call us at (905) 549-1025 or book online. No referral required.
