When the jaw won't switch off
If you wake with a stiff, aching jaw, sensitive teeth or a dull morning headache, you may be grinding or clenching in your sleep — a condition known as bruxism. During the day, many people also catch themselves clenching through stress without realising it. Over time, the masseter — the broad muscle at the corner of your jaw — becomes overworked, tight and visibly enlarged.
The effects go beyond discomfort. Persistent grinding can wear tooth enamel, trigger jaw joint (TMJ) pain, contribute to tension headaches, and leave the face feeling heavy and fatigued. For many people it is a source of daily irritation they have quietly put up with for years.
How masseter treatment works
Treatment uses a precise, measured dose of muscle-relaxing injection placed into the masseter muscle. The muscle does not disappear — it simply receives less of the signal telling it to contract. Over the following weeks it softens and rests, easing the grinding and clenching cycle.
Because the masseter is a large, palpable muscle, placement is straightforward and well suited to an anatomy-led approach. An understanding of the surrounding structures means the injection is delivered with confidence and precision.
What to expect
Treatment takes place in a single appointment and involves a few small injections into the jaw muscle. Most clients find it very manageable. There is no downtime — you can return to your day immediately, with simple aftercare advice to follow.
The muscle begins to soften over the following one to two weeks, with the full effect settling in around four to six weeks. Results typically last between three and six months, after which the treatment can be repeated. During your consultation we discuss what you can realistically expect based on your own muscle activity and symptoms.
Is it right for you?
Masseter treatment is suitable for most healthy adults troubled by jaw tension, grinding or TMJ discomfort. A full medical history is taken at consultation to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you. Certain conditions and medications may affect suitability, and there are some contraindications in pregnancy — all discussed openly before any commitment is made.
Many clients are surprised to learn that this is an option at all. If jaw tension is affecting your sleep, your teeth or your comfort, it is worth having the conversation.