Botulinum Toxin or a Splint for Teeth Grinding?

Botox or Splint Treatment for Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is a condition that many patients experience for a long time without even realizing it. Some patients wake up with a tired feeling in their jaw, while others notice tooth sensitivity or wear on their teeth. In some cases, patients come to us with complaints such as headaches, clicking sounds from the jaw joint, or tension in the facial muscles.

At this point, one of the most common questions our patients ask is:
“Should I have Botox for teeth grinding, or should I use a night guard?”

There is no single answer to this question. This is because teeth grinding does not occur for the same reason in every patient. For that reason, it would not be right to decide on a treatment plan based only on the complaint, without examining the patient.

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Teeth grinding is not only related to stress. Stress is an important factor, but it should not be considered the only cause.

The way the teeth come together, the condition of the jaw joint, how the chewing muscles function, sleep patterns, daily stress levels, and certain habits may all affect teeth grinding. In some patients, the muscles work very strongly; in others, there is significant tooth wear. In some cases, the jaw joint may be more affected.

That is why, in the treatment of teeth grinding, we first try to understand the main source of the problem:
Is the patient’s problem mainly muscle-related, is it associated with the bite, has the jaw joint been affected, or are several factors involved together?

What Is Splint Treatment?

A splint is commonly known as a night guard. However, there is an important distinction here: not every night guard is a therapeutic splint.

The splints we use in the treatment of teeth grinding are custom-made according to the patient’s tooth structure and bite relationship. The aim is not simply to place a plate between the teeth. The aim is to protect the teeth, help the jaw muscles work in a more balanced way, and reduce the load on the jaw joint.

If there is tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, or stress on dental restorations due to teeth grinding, splint treatment plays an important protective role. It also supports the muscles and jaw joint in working in a more controlled position.

For this reason, splint treatment is usually the first step in the management of teeth grinding.

How Does Botox Work for Teeth Grinding?

Botox may help reduce the force of teeth grinding by temporarily decreasing the strength of the chewing muscles. It can be a supportive treatment option especially in patients with a very strong masseter muscle, noticeable facial muscle tension, or muscle-related pain.

However, Botox needs to be understood correctly. Botox does not eliminate the cause of teeth grinding. It only reduces the force generated by the muscle.

In other words, if the patient has a bite problem, if the jaw joint is affected, or if tooth wear continues, Botox alone does not solve the entire problem. In addition, the effect of Botox is temporary; muscle activity may increase again after a certain period of time.

Botox or Splint?

In the treatment of teeth grinding, Botox and splint treatment should not be seen as direct alternatives to each other. The correct approach is to decide according to the patient’s individual condition.

In most cases, the foundation of treatment is the splint. This is because a splint protects the teeth, helps regulate the bite relationship, and reduces the load on the jaw joint. Botox, on the other hand, may be planned as an additional support when necessary.

For example, in some patients, splint treatment alone may be sufficient. In others, the muscle force may be too strong, and Botox support may be needed in addition to splint treatment. When making this decision, the amount of tooth wear, the condition of the muscles, jaw joint findings, and the patient’s complaints are all evaluated together.

Is Botox Alone Enough?

Botox may provide significant relief in some patients; however, it should not be seen as the only treatment for teeth grinding.

This is because Botox does not physically protect the teeth. If there is tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, or stress on restorations such as fillings and crowns due to teeth grinding, the protective effect of a splint is still needed.

Also, teeth grinding is not just about muscle strength. The jaw joint, the way the teeth come together, and habits are also part of the picture. Therefore, Botox may be a useful supportive treatment in suitable patients, but it should not be considered the whole treatment by itself.

Why Is Examination Important in Teeth Grinding Treatment?

The most important step in treating teeth grinding is making the correct diagnosis. It is necessary to evaluate whether there is tooth wear, whether there is pain or sound in the jaw joint, whether the muscles are sensitive, how the teeth come together, and whether the grinding occurs mostly at night or continues during the day.

During the examination, we do not only look at the teeth. We evaluate the jaw joint, muscles, bite relationship, and the patient’s complaints together. This is because the treatment plan can only be made correctly after this assessment.

At Ozant Dental Clinic in Nicosia, Cyprus, patients who apply with teeth grinding complaints are evaluated in terms of tooth condition, jaw joint, muscle structure, and bite relationship before the treatment plan is created.

Conclusion

Botox is not a definitive solution on its own for teeth grinding. In suitable patients, Botox may be a helpful support to reduce muscle force. However, splint treatment is often the main approach for protecting the teeth, reducing the load on the jaw joint, and creating a more controlled treatment process.

For this reason, the answer to the question “Botox or splint?” varies from patient to patient. The most accurate decision is made after a detailed dental examination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should teeth grinding treatment start with Botox or a splint?

In general, splint treatment should be evaluated first. This is because a splint protects the teeth and helps regulate the load on the jaw system. Botox may be planned as a supportive treatment in patients who need it.

Does Botox completely stop teeth grinding?

No. Botox may temporarily reduce the strength of the chewing muscles, but it does not completely eliminate the cause of teeth grinding. Therefore, it should not be considered a permanent solution on its own.

Does a splint stop teeth grinding?

A splint may not completely stop the habit of teeth grinding. However, it helps protect the teeth from damage, relax the jaw muscles, and reduce the load on the jaw joint.

Is every night guard a splint?

No. A therapeutic splint should be custom-made according to the patient’s bite and jaw movements. Standard or poorly planned night guards may not provide the right result for every patient.

Is teeth grinding only caused by stress?

Stress can increase teeth grinding, but it is not the only cause. The bite relationship, jaw joint, muscle structure, sleep pattern, and certain habits may also play a role in teeth grinding.

In which patients is Botox preferred?

Botox may be considered in patients with very strong chewing muscles, noticeable muscle pain, or a need for additional support alongside splint treatment. However, this decision must be made after a dental examination.

What happens if teeth grinding is not treated?

Untreated teeth grinding may lead to tooth wear, cracks, sensitivity, damage to fillings and crowns, jaw muscle pain, and jaw joint problems.

When should I see a dentist for teeth grinding?

If you wake up with jaw fatigue, have tooth sensitivity, headaches, clicking sounds from the jaw joint, tooth wear, or tension in the facial muscles, it is advisable to see a dentist.

Botulinum Toxin and Splints: What Does the Evidence Say?

These approaches do not perform the same function. An occlusal splint primarily aims to protect teeth and restorations from mechanical loading. Botulinum toxin may temporarily reduce muscle activity and pain-related symptoms in selected adults, but it should not be described as removing the cause or providing a permanent cure. Suitability depends on diagnosis, muscle and joint findings, tooth wear, general health and potential risks.

See bruxism and teeth grinding for general assessment.

Is botulinum toxin or a splint more effective?

No option is universally superior. Recent reviews report similar pain-related improvement, while splints remain a conservative option when mechanical protection and preservation of function are priorities. Evidence quality and follow-up remain limited.

Can both be used together?

They may be considered for selected patients, but combination is not automatic. Expected benefit, risks and alternatives require individual assessment.

Is the effect of botulinum toxin permanent?

No. Changes in muscle activity are temporary. The need for repeat procedures and long-term effects must be assessed individually.

Scientific Basis and Clinical Content Review

Clinical content review: Ozant Dental Clinic dental team. Last reviewed: 22 September 2026.

• Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing occlusal splints and botulinum toxin
• Systematic review of occlusal splint efficacy
• Systematic review of botulinum toxin for sleep-bruxism-related symptoms

This article does not recommend a specific procedure. Diagnosis and indication require examination by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.