Bruxism
Designed to restore volume, improve elasticity, and intensely hydrate the skin
| Treatment Time: 30 mins | Downtime: Up to 24hr | Duration: 4 - 6 months |
What is Bruxism Treatment at Dr Sonya Williams?
At Dr Sonya Williams, our clinical approach to managing bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching) involves the administration of targeted therapeutic injections to achieve localised neuromuscular symptom reduction. This medical intervention is indicated for patients experiencing chronic nocturnal grinding, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, or masseter muscle hypertrophy, designed to systematically decrease involuntary muscular force. To ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance, a formal, face-to-face consultation is mandatory to determine clinical suitability, as the treatment protocol involves the administration of prescription-only medication.
How Bruxism Injections Work
This clinical procedure utilises a purified protein, classified as a Prescription-Only Medicine (POM), to precisely target the overactive masseter muscles responsible for masticatory force. When administered at Dr Sonya Williams via deep intramuscular injections into the bilateral jaw muscles, the treatment works by temporarily blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This partial blockade reduces the intensity of involuntary muscle contractions during sleep, allowing the masseter muscles to relax. By gently modulating this mechanical strain, the underlying joint is permitted to heal, ensuring that chronic grinding and clenching are subtly and safely managed without compromising your normal ability to chew or speak.
What Bruxism Treatment Can Address
Our medical treatments at Dr Sonya Williams are designed to help address and manage the physiological signs and symptoms of jaw overactivity by reducing the impact of:
Nocturnal teeth grinding and severe jaw clenching.
Chronic tension headaches and facial pain radiating from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Premature dental wear, enamel degradation, and fractures caused by excessive occluding forces.
Masseter hypertrophy, helping to soften a square or widened lower jawline caused by muscle overdevelopment.
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To optimise your clinical outcome and support the healing process, we advise following these guidelines after your treatment at Dr Sonya Williams:
Avoid rubbing, kneading, or vigorously massaging the lower face and jawline for at least 24 hours to ensure the treatment remains precisely localised.
Remain upright for 4 hours following the procedure and avoid strenuous physical exercise for 24–48 hours.
Avoid exposure to extreme heat, including hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and direct UV light, for 48 hours.
Refrain from scheduling dental appointments, deep facial massages, or further aesthetic treatments in the jaw area for at least 2 weeks.
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No, the therapeutic effects are not permanent. Because the body naturally metabolises the purified protein over time, the localised neuromuscular blockade gradually wears off, and normal muscle hypertonicity may return. Typical results last up to 4 to 6 months, after which ongoing maintenance treatments are required to sustain symptom suppression and muscle relaxation.
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Every effort is made to ensure your comfort at Dr Sonya Williams. The procedure involves a small number of precise intramuscular injections using an ultra-fine needle directly into the bulk of the masseter muscle. While you may experience a deep, dull pinching or aching sensation during the injection, the discomfort is brief, localised, and generally well-tolerated.
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Downtime is minimal, with most patients able to return to their normal daily activities immediately following the session. You may experience mild localised swelling, erythema (redness), or a transient dull ache in the jaw, which typically resolves within a few hours up to 24 hours. Patients are advised to avoid hard or excessively chewy foods for the first few days.
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When administered by a qualified medical professional with an advanced understanding of facial anatomy, this treatment has an established safety profile for the management of focal muscular disorders. However, as with any clinical injectable procedure, there are potential risks such as temporary asymmetry of the smile, transient weakness when chewing hard food, or localised bruising. All potential risks and your complete medical history will be thoroughly discussed prior to any clinical intervention.
Refined Aesthetics At Home
Facial Aesthetics Consultations and treatment carried out in your Home. Private, convenient and safe. Servicing the greater Dublin area. Can travel for group bookings.
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