Neuromodulators for bruxism
Medical treatment to reduce the muscle hyperactivity associated with tooth clenching, relieve jaw tension and protect the teeth, muscles and temporomandibular joint in selected patients.
What are neuromodulators for bruxism?
Neuromodulators for bruxism are used in selected patients to reduce, in a controlled way, the activity of the muscles involved in jaw clenching, especially the masseters.
Bruxism can be associated with jaw pain, facial tension, headaches, overload of the temporomandibular joint, tooth wear, sensitivity, fractures or a feeling of a tired jaw on waking. An occlusal splint (night guard) can protect the teeth, but it does not always sufficiently reduce the muscle hyperactivity.
At Face Clinic, we assess the bite, the muscles, the TMJ, tooth wear, the patient's habits and the possible need for a splint, physiotherapy, oral rehabilitation or other complementary treatments. The indication is always made on an individual basis.
When are neuromodulators for bruxism considered?
The indication depends on the intensity of the clenching, the condition of the muscles, the temporomandibular joint, the degree of tooth wear and the response to other treatments.
Muscle overload
Patients with very active masseters, jaw tension or a feeling of a tired jaw.
Jaw pain
Cases with muscle discomfort associated with tooth clenching or functional overload.
Tooth wear
Patients with wear caused by clenching or grinding who require a comprehensive assessment.
Insufficient splint
When the splint protects the teeth, but significant muscle tension persists.
Masseter hypertrophy
Cases in which the masseter muscle is enlarged and contributes to the overload.
Associated symptoms
Headaches, facial pressure, pain on waking or discomfort in the jaw joint.
Neuromodulators for bruxism: the procedure step by step
The treatment is carried out in the clinic after an individual assessment. The dose, the application points and whether it should be combined with a splint or other treatments depend on each case.
The clenching pattern, pain, masseter muscles, temporomandibular joint and dental condition are all studied.
Not all patients with bruxism are candidates. It may be indicated when muscle hyperactivity predominates and there are no contraindications.
The application is carried out at specific points in the jaw muscles, using a precise technique adapted to the patient's muscle strength.
The effect is not immediate. Improvement usually appears gradually over the following days, depending on the individual response.
Pain, jaw tension and function are reviewed, along with the possible need to repeat or adjust the treatment.
Explanatory video about the assessment and medical treatment of bruxism.
Advantages of neuromodulators for bruxism
The benefits depend on the diagnosis, the muscle response and whether the bruxism has a predominantly muscular component.
It can help reduce the hyperactivity of the muscles involved in clenching.
It can improve the feeling of a loaded jaw, tiredness or tension on waking.
It can be combined with an occlusal splint when the specialist considers it appropriate.
It allows the activity of specific muscles to be modulated without resorting to surgery.
It is performed in the clinic and forms part of a personalised approach to bruxism.
Progress is reviewed to adjust the plan and assess whether complementary treatments are needed.
Why Face Clinic
Bruxism demands diagnostic precision. At Face Clinic, the jaw muscles, the temporomandibular joint, the bite, the splint, tooth wear and the symptoms are all assessed before the treatment is defined.
Joint assessment
Masseter study
Functional approach
Maxillofacial unit
Personalised quote
Team and specialists
Dr Francisco Riba García
Medical director and founder of Face Clinic. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon with experience in the functional diagnosis of the jaw, the temporomandibular joint and treatments related to muscle overload.
ICOMEM 28375865
Meet Dr RibaBruxism and TMJ unit
Dr Eduardo Monteserín
Oral and maxillofacial surgery · Jaw pain, TMJ and functional treatments.
Dr Gema Arenas
Maxillofacial surgery unit · Assessment of the jaw, TMJ and facial muscles.
Dr María Ciudad Cano
Dentistry · Occlusal splints, tooth wear, oral rehabilitation and functional control.
Before and after bruxism treatment
Results may vary depending on muscle strength, facial anatomy, the intensity of the clenching and the patient's follow-up. A medical assessment makes it possible to define whether the case is a candidate and what response can be expected.
Request an assessmentTestimonial from a patient treated at Face Clinic
Hear the experience of a patient assessed within the bruxism, TMJ and jaw pain unit.
Each case is studied individually to decide whether the patient is a candidate for the treatment, or whether they need a splint, a bite review or another complementary approach.
Payment options for bruxism treatment with neuromodulators
At Face Clinic we offer financing options for patients who need to treat muscular bruxism with neuromodulators and would like to organise the payment of the treatment more comfortably.
The quote is calculated on a personalised basis after the medical assessment, as it depends on the intensity of the clenching, the strength of the masseter muscles, the indicated dose, the expected progress and the possible need for check-ups or maintenance.
Common questions about neuromodulators for bruxism
These answers are for guidance only. The final indication must always be made after an individual medical and dental assessment.
Do they work for all cases of bruxism?
No. They must be indicated after assessing the muscles, the bite, the TMJ, tooth wear and the symptoms. For some patients, another treatment or a combination of several measures may be more appropriate.
Do they replace the occlusal splint?
Not necessarily. The splint protects the teeth from wear and may still be necessary. Neuromodulators are considered when there is muscle overload that requires a complementary approach.
Is the procedure painful?
It is carried out in the clinic through small applications at specific points. It is usually well tolerated, although there may be mild local discomfort depending on the patient's sensitivity.
When do you start to notice the effect?
The effect is not immediate. It usually appears gradually over the following days, although timings can vary depending on the patient, the dose and the muscles treated.
How long does the result last?
The duration varies depending on the patient, the muscles treated, the intensity of the clenching and associated habits. The specialist will advise when to review your progress.
How much do neuromodulators for bruxism cost?
The price depends on the clinical assessment, the muscles to be treated, the dose needed and whether it is combined with other treatments. At Face Clinic, a personalised quote is provided after studying each case.
Are there contraindications or side effects?
Yes. Like any medical procedure, it must be indicated after an individual assessment. It may not be recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in neuromuscular diseases, active infection in the area, known allergy to the components or certain medical treatments.
Can they help if I wake up with jaw pain?
They can be considered when the pain is related to muscle overload, but the TMJ, the bite, tooth wear and other possible causes must be studied first.
Where to have this treatment assessed at Face Clinic
Choose the clinic that suits you best for an initial assessment, to answer your questions, receive a personalised plan and find out the cost of the treatment.
Other useful pages if you are considering treatment for bruxism
Before indicating a medical treatment for bruxism, it is advisable to assess the TMJ, the bite, tooth wear, the splint and the associated symptoms.
Want to know if this treatment is right for your bruxism?
Request an assessment at Face Clinic to study your jaw muscles, bite, TMJ, tooth wear and symptoms, and receive a plan tailored to your case.
Request an assessment Clinical diagnosis, medical indication of the treatment and personalised quote.