# Masseter Botox for *teeth grinding.* > Masseter Botox in Essen for teeth grinding (bruxism): procedure, how long it lasts, side effects and costs from €400 – medically performed in Rüttenscheid. - Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-masseter-en.html - Language: en - Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711 - Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin) - Updated: 2026-10-05 With nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism) the chewing muscle works against itself for hours. Botulinum toxin can reduce the force this muscle develops, with the aim of easing the strain on teeth and jaw. Treatment is carried out medically in Essen-Rüttenscheid. ## Why the chewing muscle is so strong. The **masseter muscle** is one of the strongest muscles in the body. Grinding or clenching at night loads it for hours, often unnoticed. Typical consequences are a tense jaw in the morning, headaches on waking, worn teeth or a noticeably hardened chewing muscle. When **botulinum toxin type A** is injected into the masseter, the force it develops is temporarily reduced. The muscle stays functional – chewing, speaking and facial expression are preserved – but works less forcefully against the teeth. A frequently observed side effect: because a pronounced masseter widens the **contour of the lower third of the face** in some people, that contour may appear somewhat narrower over time. How pronounced this is cannot be predicted. **Important:** this treatment does not replace a dental assessment. With bruxism, splint therapy, stress factors and the state of your teeth all belong in the overall picture – we discuss that in the consultation. ## The treatment in numbers. - **Duration:** approx. 15 minutes - **Onset:** after a few days - **Lasts:** approx. 3–6 months - **Price:** from €400 ## Who it is for – and who it is not for. **A good fit if …** - expression lines that remain visible at rest (frown lines, forehead, crow's feet) - healthy adults from 18 with realistic expectations - medical reasons such as teeth grinding, heavy sweating or chronic migraine – after diagnosis **Rather not if …** - pregnancy or breastfeeding - certain neuromuscular conditions or an infection in the treatment area - a wish for volume or smoothing of deep static lines – hyaluronic acid is the better fit The final assessment is made in the medical examination. ## How it works. **1. Examination.** The chewing muscle is palpated while tensed, and we discuss your complaints and previous findings, including dental treatments and existing splints. **2. Injection.** A few points per side are treated in the masseter area with a fine needle. The injection takes only a few minutes. **3. Effect.** The effect sets in after a few days and reaches its full extent after about two weeks. It is temporary and is typically broken down after about 3–6 months. **4. Afterwards.** Avoid sport, sauna and intensive facial massage on the day of treatment. Chewing and speaking are normal. ## What you should know. Tenderness, swelling or small bruises at the injection sites are possible. Chewing firm food may feel unusual for a while; very rarely an asymmetry of the smile occurs, which resolves as the substance is broken down. The treatment is not suitable with certain neuromuscular conditions, infections in the treatment area, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, among others. Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine and is only used by a physician after examination and assessment of the indication. This information does not replace the medical consultation required by German law (§ 630e BGB). ## Transparent, per GOÄ. | Leistung | Preis | |---|---| | Masseter Botox (teeth grinding) | from €400 | | Botox 1 zone (expression lines) | from €190 | | Consultation without treatment | €50 | All prices are non-binding guide prices and include the consultation. ## Frequently asked questions. **Can I chew normally afterwards?** Yes. The aim is to reduce excessive force, not to switch the muscle off. Very firm food can feel unusual during the first weeks. **How long does the effect last?** Typically about 3–6 months, depending on dose and metabolism. The treatment can then be repeated. **Will it help my headaches?** Many people report less morning jaw tension. Whether and how much your complaints change is individual and cannot be promised. Headaches have many possible causes and should be assessed medically. **Do I still need a night guard?** That is for your dentist to judge. The injection does not replace dental treatment; it can complement it. **Does insurance pay?** As a rule this is a self-paid service. With a medical indication, coverage may be possible in individual cases – clarify this with your insurer in advance. ## You might also like. - [Botox overview](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-en.html) – All zones · from €190 - [Hyaluronic acid](https://www.vivaderm.de/hyaluronsaeure-en.html) – Contour & volume · from €190 - [Prices](https://www.vivaderm.de/preise-en.html) – All treatments at a glance ## Sources - [NHS: Botox injections – patient information](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/botox-injections/) - [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/) - [BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices](https://www.bfarm.de/) - [European Medicines Agency (EMA)](https://www.ema.europa.eu/) - [NHS: teeth grinding (bruxism)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/) - [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html) - [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/) --- This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.