Masseter treatment in Rotterdam: teeth grinding and a slimmer jawline

Masseter botox: how does the treatment work?

Many people grind or clench their teeth, often at night and without noticing. This overloads the chewing muscles and can lead to a tired or painful jaw on waking, headaches at the temples, sensitive or worn teeth, and a chewing muscle that becomes visibly bulkier. A muscle relaxant reduces the strength of the masseter without affecting normal chewing, speaking or smiling.

The treatment does not remove the cause of grinding, such as stress. A night guard from your dentist often remains useful; the two work well together.

A slimmer jawline with a muscle relaxant

A muscle that works less hard gradually becomes smaller. If your jaw is wide mainly because of a well-developed chewing muscle, the lower face therefore often looks slightly narrower and softer after 4–8 weeks. This jawline slimming treatment does not change your bone structure: a jaw that is wide because of the jawbone itself will not become narrower.

During the consultation the doctor feels the chewing muscle while you clench your teeth. This shows whether the width of your jawline comes from muscle or bone, and whether a muscle relaxant, jawline filler or no treatment at all suits you best.

Some caution is needed if the skin along your jaw is somewhat lax. A smaller chewing muscle gives the skin there less support, which can make early jowls slightly more noticeable. The doctor assesses the firmness of your skin beforehand and adjusts the dose accordingly. Sometimes a combination with jawline filler is more suitable, or we advise against the treatment.

A broad jawline in men

Men naturally tend to have a stronger chewing muscle and an angular jaw, and they often grind their teeth too. For a man with a broad jawline, the aim is usually not a narrow or ‘feminine’ face but less tension and a slightly less bulky lower jaw. The doctor therefore doses so that the characteristic masculine jaw angle is preserved. Because of the larger muscle mass, men sometimes need a slightly higher dose; we discuss this in advance, including the price.

Who is it suitable for?

The treatment is suitable for adults aged 18 and over with an overactive chewing muscle. If jaw joint complaints have other causes, such as a joint problem or a dental issue, we will first refer you to your dentist or GP. Not during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching, during the day or at night
• Tired or painful jaw muscles, especially in the morning
• Tension headaches around the temples linked to clenching
• A wide or square lower face caused by a well-developed chewing muscle

What happens during the treatment?

1. 01

   Free consultation

   The doctor asks about your complaints and feels the chewing muscle while you clench your teeth. This determines the right placement and dose, and you receive a fixed price in advance.

2. 02

   Treatment

   A few injections are given into the masseter on each side. It takes about 15 minutes and is usually well tolerated.

3. 03

   Effect

   Most people notice less tension and grinding within 1–2 weeks. A slimmer jawline appears gradually after 4–8 weeks.

4. 04

   Free check-up after two weeks

   We discuss how things are going and whether the dose is right. It can be adjusted at the next treatment if needed.

Aftercare and possible side effects

You can return to work straight away. In the first weeks, firm chewing, for example tough meat or chewing gum, may tire you more quickly. A bruise or tender spot on the cheek sometimes occurs. Rarely, the smile becomes slightly asymmetric for a while; this resolves on its own. For lasting results the treatment is usually repeated every 4–6 months. If you have questions you can reach the doctor via WhatsApp.

• Do not massage the jaw for the first 24 hours
• Avoid exercise, sauna and sunbeds on the day of treatment
• Preferably avoid chewing gum for the first few days

How much does a masseter treatment cost?

Treatment of both chewing muscles costs from €229, whether for teeth grinding or a slimmer jawline. The final price is agreed during the consultation, before any treatment. The consultation and the two-week check-up are free. Muscle relaxant treatment for teeth grinding is generally not covered by Dutch health insurance.