Jaw clenching and facial contour · Richmond
Jaw clenching and facial contour
Grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw or waking with a tight, tired jaw can all come from an overworked chewing muscle. That same muscle can also make the lower face look wider or square. We assess both at your consultation.
The muscle behind it
Understanding the masseter
The masseter is the strong muscle at the angle of your jaw that you use to chew. Stress, habit and sleep patterns can make it work harder than it needs to, especially overnight, and over time it can become larger and firmer.
For some people that shows up as jaw tension, headaches or worn teeth. For others, the main concern is the shape of the lower face, which can look broader or more square. Many people notice both.
Working with your dentist
Teeth grinding can have several causes. If you grind or clench, we recommend you also see your dentist, who can check your teeth and bite and talk to you about options such as a night guard.
Common signs
What people come to us about
Your consultation includes an assessment of the jaw muscles at rest and when you clench.
Teeth grinding
Grinding at night, often noticed by a partner or your dentist.
Clenching
Holding tension in the jaw during the day, often without noticing.
Jaw tension
A tight, tired or aching jaw, especially in the morning.
Tension headaches
Headaches around the temples or jaw linked to clenching.
A square lower face
A wide or angular jawline from a well-developed jaw muscle.
Facial balance
Wanting the lower face to look softer in proportion to the rest.
Your appointment
What to expect
Every plan starts with a consultation. If treatment is suitable and you choose to go ahead, this is how it usually works.
- First
Consultation
Your concerns, medical history and goals, and a careful in-person assessment.
- Then
Your plan
Options explained plainly, including risks, recovery and costs, with time to decide.
- Next
Treatment
If suitable and you choose to proceed, treatment is carried out by our Registered Nurse.
- After
Review
We check in after your appointment and book a review to see how you have settled.
Safety
Risks and recovery
All injectable treatments carry risks. Common short-term effects include redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising at the injection sites, which usually settle within days.
Less common risks include headache, asymmetry, infection, allergic reaction and temporary weakness of nearby muscles. We explain the risks that apply to you at your consultation and give you written aftercare and a direct contact for any concerns.
- Some people notice their bite feels weaker when chewing tough foods for a short time.
- Rarely, treatment can affect the smile or cause a temporary change to facial contour on one side.
Other concerns
You might also be thinking about
Questions
Frequently asked
Can this help with teeth grinding?
Some people with grinding or clenching are suitable for treatment of the jaw muscle. We assess you in person and also recommend you see your dentist, as grinding can have several causes.
Will my face change shape?
If the jaw muscle is large, the lower face can look softer over time. Changes are gradual and vary from person to person, and we will talk through what is realistic for you.
Does it affect chewing?
Some people notice chewing tough foods feels harder for a short while. Everyday eating is usually unaffected.
How long does it take?
Allow one hour for your first visit, including your consultation and assessment.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is discussed at your consultation, once we understand what is suitable for you.
Who will treat me?
All consultations and treatments are carried out by Dina Ibrahim, a Registered Nurse, with prescriptions provided by an authorised prescriber where required.
Your practitioner
Dina Ibrahim, Registered Nurse
Dina is the founder of Élevé and leads every consultation at the clinic, bringing a nurse's training in assessment, safety and aftercare to each appointment.
- Ahpra
- Clinic
- 45A Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121
Treatments that need a prescription are only provided after an individual consultation and assessment by an authorised prescriber, under appropriate medical governance.
Nurse-led skin and facial care · 45A Bridge Road, Richmond
Book a consultationMedical oversight
All cosmetic medical treatments at this clinic are carried out under appropriate medical governance and in compliance with Australian regulatory requirements. All registered nurses work in collaboration with qualified medical practitioners or nurse practitioners who provide prescribing, oversight and clinical support.
Every patient receives an individualised consultation and prescription from an authorised prescriber prior to treatment. Medications are administered in accordance with the relevant state and national regulations, ensuring the highest standard of patient safety and ethical care.
All cosmetic procedures carry risks. Individual results vary. A consultation with a registered health practitioner is required to assess whether any treatment is suitable for you. Services are available to clients aged 18 and over.