Managing TMD and Teeth Grinding: How Occlusal Splints and Botox Can Help. Fresh Smiles can help!
Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or sensitive teeth? You might be dealing with TMD (temporomandibular disorder) or bruxism—also known as teeth grinding or clenching. These conditions can affect your quality of life and even damage your teeth over time. The good news? There are effective, non-surgical treatments that can help—like occlusal splints and Botox injections.
Let’s break down how these treatments work and how they can help relieve your symptoms. At Fresh Smiles Geelong specialist orthodontics we are here to answer your questions and guide you with options to help.
🦷 What Is an Occlusal Splint?
An occlusal splint, sometimes called a night guard, is a custom-made mouthpiece worn while you sleep. It fits over your teeth and is designed to reduce the harmful effects of grinding and clenching.
Benefits of Occlusal Splints:
- Protect your teeth from wear and damage
- Reduce jaw muscle strain and joint pressure
- Ease tension headaches and facial pain
- Improve your bite alignment
- Promote better sleep by reducing discomfort
They are easy to wear, removable, and tailored to your mouth by your dental professional.
💉 How Does Botox Help?
You might think of Botox only for wrinkles, but it’s also a safe and effective treatment for muscle-related jaw pain and grinding.
How It Works:
Botox is injected into the jaw muscles (like the masseter and temporalis) to relax overactive muscles, reducing the force of clenching and grinding.
Benefits of Botox for TMD and Bruxism:
- Relieves jaw pain, tension, and headaches
- Reduces clenching and grinding
- Minimally invasive, with quick results
- Can slim the jawline for patients with enlarged jaw muscles from grinding
- Improves comfort during the day and night
Results typically last 3 to 6 months, and treatment can be repeated as needed.
🔄 Why Combine Splints and Botox?
For some patients, using both a splint and Botox can provide the most relief. The splint protects your teeth and supports your jaw joint, while Botox helps calm the overactive muscles causing pain and grinding.
This combined approach may:
- Speed up pain relief
- Reduce the need for high doses of Botox
- Provide more complete symptom management
⚠️ Is It Right for You?
These treatments are safe and well-tolerated by most people. You might be a good candidate if you:
- Grind or clench your teeth at night
- Wake up with jaw pain or headaches
- Have worn, cracked, or sensitive teeth
- Experience tension in your jaw or face
- Have been diagnosed with TMD
👩⚕️ Talk to Your Dental and Orthodontic Professional
If you’re struggling with jaw pain or teeth grinding, Fresh Smiles Belmont are here to help. A proper diagnosis is important to rule out other causes and to build the best treatment plan for your needs.
At Fresh Smiles Orthodontics, we offer custom occlusal splints and Botox treatments tailored to each patient. Our goal is to help you feel better, protect your teeth, and live pain-free.
💬 Want to Learn More?
Contact us today to book a free consultation and find out if a splint, Botox, or both are right for you.