Sometimes the body shows signs of strain in ways we don’t notice straight away. A morning headache, a tense jaw or a feeling of tiredness despite a good night’s sleep may all have the same cause – overuse of the jaw muscles.
Treatment of bruxism It helps to reduce the problem of unconsciously clenching and grinding one’s teeth, which for many people occurs mainly whilst sleeping. Bruxism often develops gradually. At first, it may be just a minor habit, but over time it begins to affect quality of life, the condition of the teeth and the appearance of the lower part of the face.
Bruxism It is an uncontrolled activity of the masseter muscles involving clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. A person affected by this problem is not always aware that they have it. Often, the first signs are noticed by a partner, a dentist or the patient themselves – when pain, tension or visible tooth wear occurs.
Chronic clenching of the jaw puts strain on the muscles. The face may appear more tense, and the jawline becomes more pronounced. The problem is therefore not limited to the teeth. It is also a matter of the muscles, the temporomandibular joint and everyday comfort.
Why does bruxism occur?
There is no single cause responsible for the development bruxism. The mechanism may vary from patient to patient. For some people, chronic stress and emotional tension play a major role. The body then remains in a state of constant alertness, and the jaw muscles respond by becoming more active.
Causes of bruxism They may also be linked to sleep disorders, malocclusion, nervous system overload or the body’s individual response to stressful situations.
It is worth bearing in mind that clenching one’s teeth very often happens unconsciously. The patient may not notice the problem itself, but may experience its effects – tension in the facial muscles, headaches, discomfort when chewing, or a feeling of stiffness in the jaw.
Symptoms of bruxism that you shouldn’t ignore
Symptoms of bruxism They can vary and do not always occur at the same time. The most characteristic sign is night-time teeth grinding, which is often heard by the person sleeping next to the sufferer. However, this is not the only symptom.
Many people report morning headaches, tension around the temples, tiredness in the jaw muscles, or a feeling that their jaw is constantly „clenched”. Over time, this can also lead to enamel wear, cracked teeth and increased sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks.
Long-term bruxism also affects the appearance of the face. Overworked masseter muscles They can increase in volume, making the lower part of the face appear wider and the features more defined.
Treatment of bruxism at Wellclinic
At Wellclinic, treatment for bruxism focuses on reducing excessive tension in the muscles responsible for clenching the jaw. One effective method used for this purpose is the use of botulinum toxin type A.
When administered to the appropriate areas, the preparation reduces the excessive activity of the muscles responsible for clenching the jaw tightly. It does not completely stop them from working. It merely reduces the force of the contraction, allowing the muscles to function in a more natural way.
The treatment utilises products from reputable medical manufacturers, including Allergan. This brand’s botulinum toxin has been used for many years in various fields of medicine, including neurology, ophthalmology and aesthetic medicine.
The first changes following the procedure usually become apparent after a few days. The effect develops gradually, as the muscles need time to reduce their activity.
Course of bruxism treatment at Wellclinic
Every treatment at Wellclinic begins with a consultation. This is when the doctor reviews the patient’s medical history, analyses their symptoms and assesses the level of tension in the jaw muscles. Not every case is the same, which is why treatment is always tailored to the individual.
During the consultation, the specialist checks, amongst other things, whether the problem is indeed caused by excessive activity of the masseter muscles and whether there are any contraindications to the procedure. This approach allows the treatment to be planned safely and tailored to the individual.
The procedure itself usually takes a dozen or so minutes. Botulinum toxin It is administered precisely into the area around the muscles responsible for clenching the jaw. The use of a very fine needle means that the procedure is well tolerated by most patients.
Once the treatment is complete, you can resume your normal daily activities. The doctor will also provide recommendations on how to care for yourself after the treatment to ensure the recovery process proceeds smoothly and you achieve the best possible results.
The effects of treatment for bruxism
The aim of the treatment is not to completely stop the facial muscles from working. Natural facial expressions are preserved. The aim is to reduce their excessive activity, which has caused strain and discomfort over a long period of time.
Following treatment, many patients notice a reduction in tension in the jaw area and greater comfort whilst sleeping and going about their daily lives. A reduction in the force with which the jaw is clenched may also help to reduce strain on the teeth and facial muscles.
In some people, there is also a visible aesthetic effect. When excessively developed masseter muscles As they gradually become less active, the lower part of the face may become more delicate and the jawline more harmonious.
The effects of the treatment become apparent gradually. The first changes can be noticed after a few days, whilst the full effect of the product usually develops over the following weeks.
How long do the effects of the treatment last?
The effects of botulinum toxin are temporary. The body gradually restores neuromuscular transmission, which is why muscle activity begins to return after a few months.
In most patients the effects of treatment for bruxism remain at around 4–6 months. This time may vary depending on individual predispositions, muscle strength and lifestyle.
After this period, the doctor can assess the outcome of the treatment and decide whether a further session is advisable. Regular treatment helps to maintain reduced muscle tension and keep the problem under control.
Safe treatment tailored to the patient’s needs
Treatment of bruxism requires looking beyond the symptom itself. Clenching one’s teeth is often a sign that the body is under strain, which is why it is important to identify the cause of the problem and choose the appropriate course of action.
W Wellclinic Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation. The doctor assesses the patient’s needs and selects a solution that achieves a natural result – reducing muscle tension, improving quality of life and preserving the patient’s individual facial features.
If you notice symptoms such as clenching your jaw, morning headaches or facial muscle tension, it is worth consulting a specialist. Appropriately tailored treatment can significantly improve your day-to-day comfort.
Book a consultation at Wellclinic and see if a method of treating bruxism at our Clinic will be the right choice for you.
