Grinding, clenching
& TMJ jaw pain.

Not exactly. We use Dysport, a muscle relaxing medicine similar to Botox. Both are botulinum toxin type A. For clenching and grinding, small amounts are injected into the jaw muscles to help them relax. Using either one for the jaw is off label in Canada.

Both are botulinum toxin type A and work the same basic way, by relaxing the muscle. They are made by different companies, and their doses are measured differently, so units are not interchangeable. One 2025 study in people with night grinding found similar pain relief with both. Neither is approved in Canada for grinding or TMJ, so both are used off label for the jaw.

Yes, Dysport is another botulinum toxin type A medicine that can be used instead of Botox to relax the jaw muscles. Dr. Kat will talk with you about whether jaw injections suit you at all, and whether a nightguard should come first.

Yes. Dr. Kat offers Dysport injections into the jaw muscles for clenching, grinding and TMJ related muscle pain at West Block Dental in Glenora, Edmonton, after an assessment. This is an off label use, and we usually try simpler options like a nightguard first. Results are not guaranteed.

They may help some people. Research on Dysport and Botox injections into the jaw muscles suggests they can reduce pain and grinding for some patients, but the evidence is still limited. This use is off label in Canada, so we usually start with simpler options like a nightguard and talk through the pros, cons and risks first. Results are not guaranteed.

The effect usually starts to build within one to two weeks and wears off gradually over several months, so treatment may be repeated if it helped. Timing varies from person to person, and results are not guaranteed.

Relaxing the masseter muscle can make it smaller over time, and some people notice a slimmer looking lower face. We talk about this with you before any treatment.

At West Block Dental, Dysport is $10 per unit. The number of units depends on your jaw muscles and is confirmed at your consult, so your actual cost is confirmed before any treatment.

A custom nightguard at West Block Dental is $817. Your actual cost, and how much your insurance may cover, is confirmed at your visit before we make it.

Coverage depends on your plan. Some plans cover part of a nightguard, and coverage for jaw injections varies. We will check with your insurer and give you a written quote before treatment.

They do different jobs. A custom nightguard protects your teeth from wear and cracks. Injections relax the jaw muscles that do the clenching. Many people start with a nightguard. Dr. Kat will help you decide what fits your situation.

Stress and anxiety are common triggers, especially for clenching during the day. Caffeine, alcohol, smoking, some medications and sleep problems such as sleep apnea can also play a part.

They are linked. People who grind at night are more likely to have sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnea. If we see signs, Dr. Kat may suggest a sleep study.

For many people it stays mild. Severe grinding can wear down, chip or crack teeth, damage fillings and crowns, and cause headaches and jaw pain.

TMJ is the jaw joint itself, just in front of your ears. TMD, often called TMJ disorder, means pain or problems in that joint and the muscles around it.

We start with an assessment of your jaw joints, muscles and bite. TMJ treatment options at West Block Dental include a custom nightguard ($817) to protect your teeth, and Dysport jaw muscle injections ($10 per unit) as a Botox alternative for clenching related muscle pain when it suits you. This use of Dysport is off label in Canada, and results are not guaranteed.