JAW CLENCHING, BRUXISM & FACIAL BALANCE | BOWEN HILLS

This consultation assesses concerns such as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, muscular tension, prominent masseter muscles and lower-face balance.

Your practitioner will assess your symptoms, facial anatomy, masseter activity and treatment goals before discussing whether treatment may be appropriate and what options are available.

The masseters are powerful muscles located on either side of the jaw and play an important role in chewing.

In some people, these muscles can become particularly strong or prominent, especially with frequent clenching or teeth grinding. This may contribute to muscular tension and can also influence the width and shape of the lower face.

Treatment may be considered for patients experiencing clenching, teeth grinding or excessive masseter activity.

However, bruxism and jaw discomfort can have several underlying causes. Your consultation is designed to assess your symptoms and determine whether the treatment options available at MOSO Clinic are appropriate for you.

Where necessary, we may recommend assessment by your dentist, GP or another healthcare professional.

For patients with prominent masseter muscles, reducing excessive muscular activity may gradually soften the appearance of a wider or more square lower face.

The degree of change varies considerably between patients and depends on factors including facial anatomy, muscle size and activity.

Our approach focuses on overall facial balance rather than simply creating a slimmer jawline.

This depends on the treatment recommended and your individual response.

Where treatment is appropriate, changes in muscular activity and lower-face appearance generally develop gradually rather than immediately. Your practitioner will discuss realistic expectations and anticipated timeframes during your consultation.

Treatment longevity varies between individuals and depends on factors such as muscle activity, metabolism, treatment history and the treatment plan recommended.

If ongoing treatment is appropriate, your practitioner will discuss review intervals and maintenance based on your individual response.

The masseter muscles contribute to normal chewing function, which is why careful assessment and treatment planning are important.

Potential effects, risks and expected changes in muscle function will be discussed during your consultation before you decide whether to proceed.

I prefer this over the current absolute statement that treatment will not affect chewing. Temporary changes in chewing strength can occur, so we should not promise otherwise.

This depends on the treatment recommended. Many patients can return to their usual activities shortly afterwards, although temporary tenderness, redness, swelling or bruising may occur.

Your practitioner will explain expected recovery and provide appropriate aftercare instructions.

No. Treatment suitability depends on your medical history, symptoms, facial anatomy, muscle activity and other individual factors.

A comprehensive consultation is required before treatment to determine whether the options available at MOSO Clinic are appropriate for you.

Yes. Your appointment begins with a comprehensive consultation and clinical assessment.

This allows us to understand your concerns, assess jaw and facial anatomy, review your medical history and discuss appropriate treatment options, risks and expected outcomes.

There is no obligation to proceed with treatment following your consultation.