Botox for TMJ & Jaw Tension in Encino

Your jaw shouldn't hurt every morning.

If you wake up with a sore jaw, tight temples, or teeth that feel worn down, you're not imagining it. Clenching and grinding, often without even knowing you're doing it, puts constant strain on the masseter muscle, the big muscle at the back of your jaw. Over time, that strain shows up as headaches, jaw pain, and a wider, more squared-off jawline that has nothing to do with genetics and everything to do with tension.

Why "just relax" doesn't fix it

Most people carry this tension while they sleep, so willpower doesn't help. Mouth guards can protect your teeth, but they don't calm the muscle causing the problem. Left alone, chronic clenching can lead to worsening TMJ symptoms, migraines, and jaw enlargement that makes your face look heavier than you'd like.

A simple, non-surgical way to calm the muscle

Botox for TMJ works by relaxing the masseter muscle directly, the same muscle doing all the clenching. At Balboa Medical Centre, Dr. Amir Raeesy injects small, precise doses into the masseter to ease tension at the source. No surgery, no downtime, no mouth guard to remember. Most patients feel the jaw tightness start to release within a few days, with full effects settling in over two to three weeks.

What this treatment can do for you

• Relieve TMJ pain, jaw soreness, and tension headaches
• Reduce clenching and grinding, protecting your teeth over time
• Soften and slim a jawline that's widened from muscle overuse
• Deliver results in a 15–20 minute visit, no recovery time needed
• Last 3 to 4 months per treatment, with many patients needing less over time as the muscle relaxes

Physician-precision, not guesswork

Masseter Botox has to be dosed and placed correctly, too little and you won't feel relief, too much and you can affect your bite or smile. Dr. Raeesy maps your jaw muscle and bite pattern before a single injection, so you get real relief without changing how you chew, speak, or smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Botox for TMJ the same as cosmetic Botox? It's the same medication, used differently. Instead of targeting wrinkles, it's injected into the masseter muscle to relax clenching and ease jaw tension. Many patients notice a slimmer jawline as a welcome side effect.

How long until I feel relief? Most patients notice less jaw tightness within 3 to 7 days, with full results by week two to three.

Will this change how I chew or talk? No. When dosed correctly, you'll still chew, speak, and smile normally, you'll just stop clenching so hard.

How long does it last? Results typically last 3 to 4 months. With consistent treatment, many patients find their muscle relaxes further over time and needs less frequent maintenance.

Is this covered by insurance? Botox for TMJ is usually considered cosmetic or elective, so it's typically self-pay. Ask our team about current pricing during your consult.

Why Patients Choose Balboa Medical Centre

✔ Physician-led care from Dr. Amir Raeesy
✔ Precise, personalized dosing for jaw anatomy
✔ Natural, balanced results, no change to your smile
✔ Discreet, private consultations
✔ Convenient Encino location serving Sherman Oaks, Tarzana & Woodland Hills

Ready to stop clenching?

If jaw pain, headaches, or a tired-feeling jaw are part of your daily routine, it doesn't have to stay that way. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Raeesy and find out if Botox for TMJ is right for you.