Dental Botox Ankara İncek – Masseter, Temporal, Gummy Smile – Sevgi Savaş Dental Clinic
Ankara İncek · Functional & Aesthetic

Dental Botox

Treatment of teeth clenching and jaw pain with masseter and temporal muscle Botox. Aesthetic smile with Gummy Smile Botox. Comprehensive approach in combination with splint.

10–20 minApplication duration
4–6 monthsFunctional effect duration
2–3 daysTime for effect to begin
ZeroRecovery time; immediate return to daily life
Dental Botox (botulinum toxin) is a modern dental application that temporarily reduces excessive muscle contractions through injections into the jaw and facial muscles, offering both functional and aesthetic results. It is applied for the treatment of jaw pain, headaches and tooth wear caused by teeth clenching (bruxism); for correcting Gummy Smile (excessive gum visibility); and for masseter hypertrophy (aesthetic improvement of the jawline). It requires no surgery; it is painless, fast and allows immediate return to daily life.

Masseter Muscle Botox – Bruxism Treatment and Jawline Aesthetics

The masseter is the most powerful chewing muscle that lifts the lower jaw and drives the majority of chewing movements. The masseter, which overworks due to chronic teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism), develops hypertrophy (enlargement) over time. This both damages the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and creates a square/angular appearance on the face.

Masseter Botox reduces the contraction force of the muscle, lowering the load on the joint, alleviating jaw pain and slimming the facial contours to provide a more oval appearance.

Functional Benefits

Jaw pain from teeth clenching and grinding is reduced · Enamel wear on teeth slows down · Load on the TMJ decreases · Morning head and temple pain is alleviated · Sleep quality improves

Aesthetic Benefits

Square jawline gradually transforms into an oval form · Improvement in facial asymmetry · Lower face slimming · Prominence at jaw corners decreases · Natural appearance; no surgical scarring

Effect Timeline

2–3 days: Muscles begin to relax · 7–14 days: Full functional effect · 4–6 weeks: Aesthetic slimming becomes visible · 4–6 months: Functional effect duration · 4–9 months: Cosmetic effect duration

Application

Direct injection into the muscle with local anesthetic cream or fine needle · 10–20 minutes · Small doses at multiple points · Immediate return to daily life after procedure · Follow-up: assessment after 2 weeks

Temporal Muscle Botox – Temple Region and Morning Headaches

The temporal muscle is a powerful chewing muscle positioned like a wide fan in the temple region. It becomes overactivated together with the masseter in teeth clenching. Morning temple pain, headaches spreading to the forehead or skull base area frequently originate from overworking of the temporal muscle.

Area of Effect of Temporal Botox Morning headaches originating from the temple · Radiating headaches accompanying teeth clenching · Pain related to temporal muscle spasm · Forehead and temple area tension · Complementary component of TMJ treatment
Combined Application with Masseter Masseter + temporal muscle combination delivers much stronger results than Botox applied to a single muscle · Both muscles are treated in the same session · Both facial aesthetics and function improve together · Most comprehensive results achieved when combined with splint treatment

Gummy Smile Botox – Upper Lip Elevator Muscle Injection

The excessive visibility of gums when smiling is called "Gummy Smile." One of its causes is the overactivity of the upper lip elevator muscles (levator labii superioris, zygomaticus minor). A small-dose Botox injection to this muscle group significantly reduces gum visibility by decreasing how much the lip rises when smiling.

Gummy Smile with Botox Painless; no local anesthesia required · 10–15 minutes · Effect visible within 3–5 days · Lasts 4–6 months; method requiring repeat · Ideal candidate: cases caused by excessive lifting of upper lip
When Is Botox Not Sufficient? Excess gum tissue → Gingivectomy/laser reshaping · Short teeth → Crown lengthening · Skeletal (jaw) origin → Orthodontics or surgical assessment · Botox is only effective for muscle-caused Gummy Smile

Splint + Botox Combination – Comprehensive TMJ Approach

Splint and Botox work through different mechanisms; their combination delivers much stronger results than either one alone.

MethodMechanism of ActionArea of ProtectionLimitation
SplintEqualizes contact points between teeth; provides free mobility in the jawProtects teeth and joint from wearDoes not stop the clenching behavior of muscles
Masseter / Temporal BotoxReduces muscle contraction force; lowers teeth clenching forceReduces joint load and muscle painDoes not physically protect teeth
CombinationSynergistic effect of bothTeeth + joint + muscle protected in an integrated mannerThe underlying cause must also be treated
Botox Alone Is Not Sufficient — Combined Planning Is RequiredBruxism originates from multiple factors: stress, malocclusion, sleep disorders. Botox temporarily reduces muscle activity; however, it does not address the underlying cause. For comprehensive TMJ treatment, splint, Botox, stress management and if necessary orthodontics or occlusal adjustment should be planned together.

Long-Term Muscle Atrophy – Does Botox Become Permanent?

A single Botox session is temporary; however, regular repetitions can create a significant change in muscle structure. As the muscle's contraction force decreases and it becomes "unused" over successive sessions, muscle mass also gradually decreases (atrophy). This mechanism produces two important outcomes with long-term use:

Functional Long-Term Each session the teeth clenching force starts lower than the previous · Cumulative damage on teeth and joint slows down · In some patients, the interval between sessions can lengthen · If fully discontinued, muscle gradually returns to its previous activity · Gradual decrease does not impair chewing function
Aesthetic Long-Term Volume reduction in the masseter is reinforced with successive sessions · Long-lasting, if not permanent, slimming can be achieved in the facial contour · Cosmetic effect lasts longer than functional effect (4–9 months) · Intervals can be extended after 3–4 regular sessions · If completely discontinued, muscle slowly returns to its former size

Dental Botox Application Process

1
Clinical Assessment and Planning

Muscle palpation, chewing analysis, bruxism severity and Gummy Smile assessment are performed. Target muscles and application points are determined. Botox quantity (units) is calculated according to the individual and muscle mass size.

2
Preparation of the Area

The application area is cleaned with antiseptic. Injection points are marked. If desired, anesthetic cream is applied to the area; most patients tolerate the procedure comfortably without cream.

3
Injection

Small doses are applied to each point with a very fine needle. The procedure takes 10–20 minutes. A slight needle sensation may be felt; it is painless or minimal.

4
Post-Procedure Instructions

No massage for 24 hours; no pressure on the treated area · Avoid lying down and bending for 4–6 hours · Strenuous exercise not recommended on the first day · Follow-up appointment planned after 2 weeks

5
Effect Monitoring and Repeat Planning

Effect is assessed on days 2–14. If response is insufficient, a small additional dose can be applied. Repeat session interval is planned as 4–9 months according to patient response.

What to Watch Out for After Dental Botox

First 24 Hours

Do not massage or apply pressure to the injection area. Do not remain in a head-down position. Strenuous exercise is not recommended. Very hot environments or sauna are not recommended on the first day.

First 2–4 Hours

Avoid bending and lying down. Stay in an upright position to prevent Botox from migrating from the injection site. Alcohol consumption may increase Botox spread; not recommended.

Expected Mild Side Effects

Temporary mild swelling or redness at the injection site is normal; it passes within a few hours. Rare bruising is managed with a cold compress. Temporary mild strange sensation in chewing normalizes within 1–2 weeks.

When to Call the Clinic

Noticeable asymmetry in smiling · Drooping eyelid · Difficulty swallowing · Unexpected pain · These are rare but signs that should be reported; the risk is very low with an experienced practitioner.

Who Can and Cannot Have Dental Botox?

ConditionSuitable?Description
Bruxism / teeth clenching✅ Ideal candidateMasseter + temporal combination; planned together with splint
TMJ-related jaw pain✅ SuitableAn effective component of conservative treatment
Gummy Smile (muscle-caused)✅ SuitableLow-dose injection to upper lip elevator muscles
Masseter hypertrophy✅ SuitableAesthetic facial slimming
Pregnancy and breastfeeding⛔ Not appliedNot recommended during this period for safety
Botulinum toxin allergy⛔ Not appliedAbsolute contraindication
Neuromuscular diseases (MG, ALS)⛔ Not appliedMuscle relaxant effect can cause serious complications
Active infection (at application site)⛔ DeferredCan be applied after infection clears
Use of blood thinning medication⚠️ Assessment requiredHematoma risk; can be applied with physician approval
Under 16–18 years of age⚠️ Careful assessmentNot recommended for aesthetic purposes before muscle development is complete
Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş – Dental Botox, Masseter, Gummy Smile, Ankara İncek

Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş

Dentist · Dental Botox · Masseter · Gummy Smile · Ankara İncek

Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş applies masseter and temporal muscle Botox at her Ankara İncek clinic in combination with splint and myofascial therapy for bruxism, TMJ and headache treatment. Gummy Smile Botox is planned as a complementary component of aesthetic smile design; a personalized dose and repeat interval is determined in line with each patient's muscle mass, complaint profile and expectations.

Dental Botox – Frequently Asked Questions

Is dental Botox painful?
Since very fine needles are used, most patients describe the procedure as only a slight needle sensation. Anesthetic cream can be applied to the area for sensitive patients. Post-procedure pain is extremely rare and is managed with a simple painkiller. Daily activities can be resumed immediately.
When does dental Botox take effect?
Botox generally begins to relax the muscles in 2–3 days; full effect settles within 7–14 days. For aesthetic masseter Botox, facial slimming becomes prominent within 4–6 weeks, since reduction in muscle volume requires a longer process.
How long does the Botox effect last?
The functional effect (teeth clenching, jaw pain) lasts an average of 4–6 months. The cosmetic effect (facial slimming) continues for 4–9 months. Regular repetitions contribute to muscle atrophy, allowing the session interval to lengthen over time.
Does Botox replace splint treatment?
No; they work through different mechanisms. While the splint physically protects the teeth and joint, Botox reduces muscle activity. When both are applied together, teeth, joint and muscle are protected in an integrated manner. The most comprehensive results in bruxism treatment are obtained with the combination.
How long does Gummy Smile Botox last and is the effect permanent?
The procedure takes 10–15 minutes; the effect continues for 4–6 months. It is not permanent; it requires repetition. If Gummy Smile is muscle-caused, Botox is an effective solution. If there is excess gum tissue or a skeletal problem, Botox is not sufficient; laser, gingivectomy or orthodontics is planned.
Does masseter Botox affect chewing?
Temporarily and minimally, yes. Some patients may experience a slightly different chewing sensation than normal in the first 1–2 weeks. The muscle is not completely paralyzed; its force is reduced. Botox applied at the correct dose does not impair normal chewing function; chewing difficulty is rare and temporary.
Does regular Botox use damage the muscle?
No. On the contrary, it is functionally beneficial. Long-term use leads to reduction in muscle mass (atrophy); this is actually a desired outcome in terms of reducing teeth clenching. The muscle force required for chewing is preserved; only the excessive contraction capacity decreases.
Should Botox only be administered by dentists?
Dental Botox should be performed by a physician who has a thorough understanding of the anatomy of chewing muscles, occlusal relationships and TMJ dynamics. Since dentists are the specialists who most comprehensively assess these structures, a dental clinic is the most appropriate address for dental Botox application.
Can Botox be effective for my morning headaches?
If the headache is of teeth clenching and muscle origin (temporal muscle tension, TMJ load), Botox can be very effective. The masseter + temporal combination significantly reduces morning headaches. However, for migraine or neurologically-caused headaches, Botox alone is not sufficient; multidisciplinary assessment is required.
Can Botox be administered during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Botulinum toxin applications including dental Botox are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Management with splint and conservative methods is planned until this period is completed.
Why Sevgi Savaş Clinic in Ankara İncek for dental Botox?
At our clinic, masseter and temporal Botox is planned as part of comprehensive TMJ and bruxism management in combination with splint, myofascial therapy and dental mesotherapy. Gummy Smile Botox is integrated with aesthetic smile design; dose and session interval are determined individually for each patient.

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