Masseter botox for bruxism: how it works, how long it lasts, side effects
Prices as of 24.10.2026
Signs of bruxism: do you grind or clench?
A partner or dentist often notices them first.
Grinding in your sleep
Usually a partner hears it, not you.
Clenching by day
At work, driving or at a screen, often unnoticed.
Jaw pain
Tight chewing muscles; pain can spread to the ear or face.
Headaches, poor sleep
Muscle tension can cause headaches and disturb sleep.
Worn teeth
Sensitive, cracked or broken teeth, lost fillings.
When to see a dentist or your GP first
A dentist assesses bruxism and protects the teeth, for example with a night guard. Botulinum toxin does not replace it: it reduces muscle force, not the cause.
- Worn, chipped or sensitive teeth: a dentist first.
- Jaw, face or ear pain: a dentist also checks the jaw joint.
- Snoring or breathing pauses at night: your GP, as sleep apnoea can be the cause.
- Grinding began with a new medicine (for sleep, depression or anxiety): the doctor who prescribed it; it is not stopped on your own.
How masseter botox is done, step by step
Consultation
Health, medicines, past injections. The specialist feels the masseter as you clench and assesses whether it suits you.
Skin test
Done first if you are having botulinum toxin for the first time.
Injections
Points are marked on the lower jaw; a very fine needle goes into the masseter. 15–30 minutes; the specialist sets the dose.
Afterwards
4 hours: no lying down or jaw massage. 24 hours: no exercise, sauna or alcohol.
Follow-up
Possible after about two weeks.
How long masseter botox lasts
Tap a point on the timeline.
First hours
Mild redness, small bumps or tenderness. Back to work at once; for 4 hours no lying down or jaw massage.
Days 2–5
The muscle starts to weaken and you clench with less force. Chewing tough or chewy food may tire you sooner than usual.
Around day 14
The effect has developed. A follow-up visit is possible after about two weeks to assess the result and symmetry.
Months 1–3
The muscle may become thinner and the lower face may look narrower. Jaw pain and tension may ease.
Months 3–6
Strength returns gradually, usually over 3–4 months; in studies pain relief sometimes lasted up to 6 months. A repeat is discussed with the specialist.
Masseter botox side effects: common and rare
Common
- pain, redness or a small bump where injected
- a small bruise
- chewing tires sooner, which passes
- a mild headache
Rare
- an uneven smile
- a bulge in the muscle when clenching
- hollow cheeks or sagging
Tell the clinic
Call 112 now
- difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking
- rash, swelling of the face or lips
Emergency number in Estonia: 112
Who masseter botox may suit
It may suit you if…
- a dentist has found or suspects bruxism
- sore or tense chewing muscles
- a splint protects your teeth, but tension remains
- you want to clench with less force
Not suitable, or something else first, if…
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- a neuromuscular disease, e.g. myasthenia gravis
- allergy to botulinum toxin or albumin
- inflammation in the area, acute illness or fever
- unclear cause of pain: a dentist first
In more detail
How botulinum toxin works in bruxism
Botulinum toxin type A temporarily weakens the nerve signal to the muscle, so the masseter contracts less forcefully. Studies mainly show lower clenching force; the number of grinding episodes may not change.
The cause, such as stress, sleep or medicines, remains. Reviews rate the evidence as weak, and their authors suggest starting with simpler measures and a dentist’s splint.
Will my face look slimmer?
It can. If the masseter becomes thinner over the following weeks, the lower face can look narrower. Some people want this, others do not expect it, so it is discussed at the consultation beforehand.
After a single treatment the muscle recovers over time; after repeated injections it can stay thinner for longer.
Repeated injections and the jaw bone
Small studies have found thinning of the bone at the angle of the lower jaw and lower bone density in the jaw joint after repeated masseter injections; in animal studies the finding is more consistent. How much it matters in people is not yet clear.
Review authors advise telling patients about it before treatment. A repeat is planned only once the effect has worn off, and the need is reassessed each time.
What a dentist does that botox does not
A dentist checks tooth wear and the jaw joint and, if needed, makes a night guard that protects the teeth. Botulinum toxin does not protect the teeth; it reduces muscle force.
Stress, anxiety, smoking, alcohol and caffeine can make grinding worse, and your GP can help with these.
Frequently asked questions
How much does masseter botox cost in Tallinn?
At Melior Clinics, teeth grinding treatment with botulinum toxin costs from €375 (price list 24.10.2026). It starts with a consultation where the specialist assesses whether it suits you.
How long does masseter botox last?
Usually 3–4 months, then muscle strength gradually returns. In studies pain relief sometimes lasted up to 6 months. A repeat is discussed with the specialist.
What are the side effects of masseter botox?
Most often temporarily weaker chewing, and pain or a bruise at the injection site. Rarely an uneven smile, a muscle bulge or hollow cheeks. Lower jaw bone density loss has been reported after repeated injections.
Does masseter botox hurt?
Most people describe a short prick with a very fine needle. The spot can be tender for a short time, and a small bruise sometimes appears.
Does botox cure bruxism?
No. It reduces masseter force and may ease pain and tension, but the cause of grinding remains. A dentist’s night guard protects the teeth.
Can I eat normally afterwards?
Yes. For the first weeks, chewing tough or chewy food can feel tiring because the muscle is weaker. This is temporary.
Teeth grinding treatment in Tallinn
Read next
- NHS: Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Coelho MS et al. Botulinum Toxin for Bruxism: An Overview. Toxins, 2025 (PMC)
- Ferrillo M et al. The Role of Botulinum Toxin for Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy: A Comprehensive Review. Toxins, 2025 (PMC)
- Balanta-Melo J et al. Mandibular Bone Loss after Masticatory Muscles Intervention with Botulinum Toxin: An Approach from Basic Research to Clinical Findings. Toxins, 2019 (PMC)
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation. Whether a treatment suits you is decided by a specialist at the consultation. Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn · Estonian Health Board licence L04198.
