It was reported that Filipina signer Charice, who recently scored a role on the hit show Glee, had received a Botox treatment for TMJ and reportedly to reshape her face. In patients of Asian descent, there is likelihood of Masseter Hypertrophy, which can make the face overly square and masculine.
In addition, a large Masseter muscle can lead to problems such as TMJ and teeth grinding. Teeth grinding occurs during sleep and causes the enamel of the teeth to breakdown. It can be caused by stress and leads to a host of dental problems and other issues, as well as being very painful.
The traditional way to treat teeth grinding has been the use of a mouth guard- a piece of plastic one wears at night to protect the teeth.
Anyone who has used a mouth guard will know that there are some not so pleasant aspects to this treatment: mouth guards begin to smell, are uncomfortable, expensive, and the wearer often grinds right through them.
The use of Botox, however, can be very successful. Dr. Shah injects the Botox into the Masseter muscle, which causes it to relax and diminish in appearance. The patient will continue to have full use of their muscles during their waking hours, but they will feel the relief from teeth grinding during the night within the week after the treatment.
Treatment lasts 4-6 months, and can also train the muscles to relax and provide relief well after the Botox has dissipated.