# Splint or *Botox?*

> Bruxism damages teeth, jaw joint and sleep. What the bite splint does, what botulinum toxin in the chewing muscle achieves

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-teeth-grinding-splint-or-botox-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: 2026-10-15

The question is wrongly put: the splint protects the teeth, botulinum toxin reduces the force. Each has a task – and an order.

## Two tools, two tasks.

**What bruxism is:** unconscious clenching or grinding, mostly at night, often stress-related. Consequences: worn teeth, cracks, jaw-joint pain, tension headache, thickened chewing muscles with a squared face. About one in five is affected, many without knowing – until the dentist sees the wear.

**The bite splint:** first choice and an insured service. It prevents tooth contact and protects tooth substance and fillings. But it does not reduce muscle force – many keep grinding with a splint, just without tooth damage. It has to be worn, which not everyone manages.

**Botulinum toxin in the masseter:** reduces part of the chewing muscle's force so that clenching eases and the muscles shrink over time. Effect after two weeks, duration four to six months, often with longer intervals over time. Side effect: a squared jaw becomes narrower – desired by some, a reason for restraint for others. Chewing remains possible; tough foods are more tiring at first.

**Order:** first the dentist: rule out tooth damage, assess the jaw joint, make a splint. If pain, headache or muscle thickening remain despite the splint – botulinum toxin as a supplement. Not as a replacement: the splint keeps protecting the teeth.

**What else helps:** stress reduction, physiotherapy for the jaw, warmth, no chewing gum, alcohol and caffeine in the evening, sleep hygiene. With jaw locking or radiating pain: orthodontics or a TMD clinic.

**Legal note:** botulinum toxin is not licensed for bruxism (off-label use) and is used as a self-pay service after informed consent. Health insurers generally do not reimburse it.

## The essentials.

- **Splint:** protects teeth, insured
- **Botulinum toxin:** reduces force, 4–6 months
- **Order:** dentist first, then supplement
- **Status:** off-label, self-pay

## Important note.

This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.

## Frequently asked questions.

**Can I eat normally after masseter treatment?**

Yes. The force for everyday eating remains; very tough meat or hard nuts can be more tiring in the first weeks.

**Will my face change?**

With pronounced chewing muscles the lower jaw becomes narrower over months. With a narrow face the dose is restrained so that this does not happen.

## Related.

- [Masseter treatment](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-masseter-en.html) – Treatment
- [Bruxism](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-bruxismus-en.html) – Lexicon
- [Stress & skin](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-stress-skin-en.html) – Guide

## 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/)
- [NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/)
- [Medical Association North Rhine – patient information](https://www.aekno.de/patienten)

---
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.