Services

Neuromodulator (Botox) therapy for jaw pain and clenching

Patients often use "Botox" to describe any wrinkle-relaxing injection, but it is actually one brand of botulinum toxin. For jaw-muscle pain and clenching, Dr. Leon uses it to relax the specific muscles your evaluation points to, as one part of your plan.

The evaluation comes first

For patients with jaw-muscle pain or clenching, Dr. Leon evaluates the pattern of muscle tension and pain, including areas beyond the jaw. When appropriate, she may recommend botulinum toxin for selected muscles as one part of a broader care plan. The treatment areas are chosen based on your findings rather than a fixed injection pattern.

The products she uses

Dr. Leon works with several products, including BOTOX Cosmetic, DAXXIFY, XEOMIN, Dysport and Jeuveau. Dr. Leon selects the product and treatment areas based on the patient's evaluation, treatment goals, and clinical suitability.

Before any treatment, she explains the products and procedures she recommends, what to expect, the limits and your other options, so you decide together.

Dry needling

For certain patients with painful muscle trigger points, Dr. Leon may also use dry needling, sometimes during the same visit, when it fits your evaluation and plan.

For facial aesthetics

For facial aesthetics, neuromodulators temporarily relax selected muscles that create expression lines, while keeping your goals and natural expressions in mind. Aesthetic care is separate from TMJ care: see facial aesthetics and rejuvenation.

Questions patients ask

Can Botox help with jaw clenching?

It can. Dr. Leon first maps the pattern of muscle tension and pain, including areas beyond the jaw, then treats the specific muscles your evaluation points to, as one part of your plan.

Which products does Dr. Leon use?

She works with several, including BOTOX Cosmetic, DAXXIFY, XEOMIN, Dysport and Jeuveau. Dr. Leon selects the product and treatment areas based on the patient's evaluation, treatment goals, and clinical suitability.

Where are the injections given?

The treatment areas are chosen based on your findings rather than a fixed injection pattern.

What will I know before treatment?

Dr. Leon explains the products and procedures she recommends, their expected effects and limitations, and other options, so you can decide together what is appropriate.

Dr. Leon smiling in her white coat, one hand on her hip, in the office hallway
  • Comprehensive TMJ evaluation

    We start by looking at the whole picture: your health history, symptoms, jaw joints and muscles, teeth and bite, jaw movement, and posture. We also consider whether surrounding tissues or pain coming from another area may be involved. Treatment recommendations are based on your individual findings.

  • Custom oral appliances

    TMJ night appliances, orthopedic repositioning appliances for day or night, and a retainer when you need one, all made for you from your exam and your goals. Dr. Leon checks the fit and adjusts them as your needs change.

  • In-office therapies

    Laser therapy, photobiomodulation, TMJ manual therapy and myofascial release, hot and cold therapy, TENS and guided jaw exercises, chosen for what your evaluation finds and done right here in the office.

Talk with Dr. Leon about your symptoms