Treatment options
and downtime.
Neurotoxin
Downtime: No downtime (mild redness
or pinpoint swelling at injection site,
resolves within hours)
injectable treatments
Jaw Tension
& TMJ Discomfort
Chronic clenching and grinding overload the masseter muscles, the temporomandibular joint, and the teeth — contributing to wear, headaches, jaw soreness, and disrupted sleep, usually over a period of years before a patient connects the symptoms to their jaw. This is a condition that sits at the intersection of dentistry and facial aesthetics, and Dr. Martin is in a genuinely unusual position to treat it — assessing bite mechanics, occlusion, and joint health alongside the muscular component rather than addressing only one side of the problem.
Neurotoxin injected into the masseter reduces the force of involuntary clenching directly, typically producing meaningful symptom relief within two to four weeks as the muscle softens. Treatment runs about 15 to 20 minutes with no downtime. Dr. Martin coordinates masseter neurotoxin alongside custom nightguards and occlusal therapy when appropriate — because the muscle is one part of the picture, and the dental component matters just as much for long-term protection of the joint and dentition.
How do I know if my jaw symptoms are related to bruxism or TMJ?
There's significant overlap between the two, and they often co-exist. Bruxism refers specifically to grinding or clenching — habitual muscle activity that places excessive load on the teeth and jaw. TMJ dysfunction refers to problems with the temporomandibular joint itself, which can be caused or worsened by bruxism but can also have other structural or inflammatory causes. Common signs include jaw soreness or fatigue, morning headaches, tooth sensitivity or wear, clicking or popping in the jaw, and tightness in the temples. At our practice, Dr. Martin evaluates both the muscular and the joint components, which gives him a more complete picture than most aesthetic providers are positioned to offer.
How does neurotoxin help with jaw tension and bruxism?
Neurotoxin injected into the masseter muscle reduces the force of involuntary clenching by partially relaxing the muscle — it doesn't eliminate jaw function, but it significantly reduces the excessive load that causes symptoms. Most patients notice a meaningful reduction in jaw soreness, headaches, and tooth sensitivity within two to four weeks as the muscle softens. At our practice, this treatment is often coordinated alongside a custom nightguard and occlusal therapy as part of a broader jaw management plan — because neurotoxin addresses the muscle component, while other interventions address the structural and behavioral aspects of bruxism.
Will neurotoxin affect my ability to chew normally?
When dosed correctly, no — and this is an area where Dr. Martin's dental background matters. The masseter is a powerful muscle, and reducing its activity enough to relieve clenching symptoms does not meaningfully impair normal chewing function. The key is conservative dosing that targets the therapeutic effect without over-relaxing the muscle. At our practice, we start conservatively — particularly for first-time patients — and adjust based on how the muscle responds. The goal is symptom relief and protection of dental structure, not maximum muscle reduction.
How often does masseter neurotoxin need to be repeated?
Results typically last three to four months, and most patients return for retreatment at that interval to maintain consistent symptom relief. Over time, with repeated treatment, the masseter tends to reduce slightly in bulk — a process that can gradually extend the interval between sessions for some patients. At our practice, we also use this as an opportunity to reassess the full jaw management picture — checking for changes in occlusion, evaluating the nightguard fit, and ensuring the overall plan is still appropriate. Because Dr. Martin manages both the dental and aesthetic sides of this concern, these conversations are more integrated than they would be across two separate providers.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.