Get Real Relief From Jaw, Neck, & Ear Pain
BOTOX® for TMJ & Orofacial Pain Relief
The ache in your temples after a long meeting. That tight, burning feeling in your jaw when you wake up because you’ve clenched all night. The way chewing a sandwich can feel like you’ve worked through a set at the gym. TMJ disorders and bruxism don’t just live in your jaw, they creep into the moments you should be able to enjoy without thinking.
At Dental Studio SF, we use BOTOX® differently: not just as a wrinkle treatment, but as a tool to calm the overactive muscles that make every bite, smile, or yawn painful.
How BOTOX® Helps with TMJ and Bruxism
Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) are powered by strong jaw muscles, especially the masseter. Over time, that nonstop tension wears down enamel, triggers headaches, ear & neck pain, and keeps your jaw in a cycle of fatigue. By relaxing those overactive muscles, BOTOX® cuts down the force behind grinding, easing the strain that leads to pain. This means less tension, fewer headaches, and a chance to break the cycle without relying only on nightguards or pain meds.
The Benefits You’ll Actually Feel
- Everyday relief: Fewer headaches, less soreness, more freedom in how you eat and talk
- Protects your smile: Reduces grinding forces that damage teeth over time
- Quick visits, lasting change: Injections take minutes and can bring months of relief
- A softer look: Many patients notice a slimmer jawline as the masseter relaxes
What to Expect: During & After Treatment
Your first visit isn’t rushed. Dr. Wu or Dr. Cornehl will walk through your symptoms, examine your bite and jaw function, and map out the best injection points for your specific pain triggers. The injections themselves take about 10–20 minutes, and most patients compare the feeling to a quick pinch.
After treatment, you can go about your day as usual. The relief builds gradually over the next week or two as your muscles let go of their constant clench. For most people, the results last three to four months before the muscles regain strength. With consistent treatment, the benefits often stretch further, and many patients find their clenching habits ease up over time.
And because BOTOX® has been studied and used in dentistry for years, you can feel confident in its safety. Our approach is always conservative: the smallest effective dose, placed precisely where it’ll give you the most relief.
Part of a Bigger Picture: Our Whole-Body Approach
TMJ disorders are complex, and sometimes the best relief comes from combining therapies. Alongside BOTOX®, we may recommend:
- Custom night guards to protect your teeth from clenching
- Trigger point injections to release stubborn knots
- Home care & lifestyle tweaks that support jaw health
Spotlight: Low-Level Laser Therapy
This gentle, non-invasive laser treatment helps reduce inflammation and stimulate healing in sore jaw muscles. Many patients find it amplifies the relief they get from BOTOX®, making it an amazing add-on for longer-lasting comfort.
Learn More About TMJ ReliefLow-Level Laser Therapy
Insurance & Cost Considerations
Most insurance plans don’t cover BOTOX® for TMJ, since it’s considered an “off-label” treatment. Our team can walk you through expected costs before beginning, and help you explore flexible payment options if needed. We know cost matters, and we’ll be upfront with you before starting treatment.
Get Back To Your Life With Real Relief
TMJ pain doesn’t have to run your days. If you’re ready to loosen the grip your jaw pain has on your life, schedule a consultation at our Union Square office and see if BOTOX® treatment is the right fit for you.
Your Questions, Answered
Will BOTOX for TMJ change how I smile?
No. When used for TMJ, the doses are targeted to your chewing muscles, not the muscles that control your expressions.
How soon will I feel better?
Most patients notice improvement within a week, with maximum relief after two weeks.
Can I stop using my nightguard?
Some patients do, others keep it as extra protection. Dr. Cornehl will help you decide what’s best for your case.