Has recurring discomfort around the jaw compromised your quality of life? Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are common conditions that can be a nuisance. Fortunately, botulinum toxin injectables can alleviate discomfort and help you smile more comfortably without surgery or extensive downtime.
Old Town Med Spa in Chicago is led by Drs. Nael Gharbi and Shazel Gharbi, who are both determined to provide you with the tools, care, and guidance you need to achieve your cosmetic vision. We now offer advanced TMJ treatment with botulinum toxin to grant greater comfortability when those smile-worthy moments arrive.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, performing sliding and hinge movements that allow the jaw to open, close, and move in circular motion. The bones that allow this movement are concealed in cartilage and separate from the jaw itself by a tiny, shock-absorbent disk. TMJ complications arise when:
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The disk becomes dislocated
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The cartilage that surrounds the bones endures trauma
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The teeth or joints receive damage
Common Signs of TMJ Complications
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Discomfort in the jaw and temple area
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Aching sensations across the face and ears
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Difficulty or aches when chewing food
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Joint locking
Causes of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorder may be caused by a number of different conditions. An injury to the face, for example, or a bad bite can cause the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles to work too hard. By and large, though, most cases of TMJ disorder are an issue of overuse.
Some people develop uncomfortable symptoms as a result of excessive gum-chewing or from bruxism. This is the unconscious habit of clenching and grinding the teeth. It usually happens when you’re sleeping, so you may never be aware that you’re causing potential harm to your joints and teeth.
Candidates for TMJ Treatment
Nearly anyone struggling with discomfort or pain in the jaw and across the face may benefit from this treatment option. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be referred to alternative treatments.
During your consultation, we will discuss aspects of your medical history and carefully assess the treated area to better determine if TMJ treatment through botulinum toxin may be right for you.
What to Expect During TMJ Treatment
Your TMJ treatment at Old Town Med Spa begins with a thorough consultation, where our team reviews your symptoms, medical history, and goals. Once we confirm you’re a good candidate, we’ll carefully mark the targeted muscles around your jaw, typically the masseter and temporalis.
Using a fine needle, our experienced providers administer precise injections of botulinum toxin to relax the overactive muscles that contribute to your discomfort. The entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and requires no anesthesia. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch. You’ll begin noticing relief from jaw tension and pain within several days.
What is Recovery Like After TMJ Treatment?
Our TMJ treatment may just be one of the easiest. Injections take just a few minutes and cause very few side effects. It’s not much different than receiving BOTOX® injections to correct the signs of aging.
After your TMJ treatment at Old Town Med Spa in Chicago, you can return to most of your normal activities. We’ll advise you to avoid lying down, engaging in strenuous exercise, or massaging your jaw for a short time. After the first four hours of these restrictions, you can resume all of your normal activities.
Why Choose Old Town Med Spa for TMJ Treatment in Chicago, IL?
At Old Town Med Spa, your comfort and results are our top priorities. Led by the MD Brothers, Drs. Nael Gharbi and Shazel Gharbi, our practice combines more than a decade of medical expertise with advanced training in aesthetic medicine. Both physicians are board-certified in Aesthetic Medicine and Internal Medicine, ensuring every TMJ treatment is performed with precision, safety, and care. We take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your unique anatomy, and create a personalized plan that targets the source of your jaw discomfort. With our welcoming Chicago locations and patient-focused approach, lasting relief is within reach.
Schedule a TMJ Consultation Today
Would you like to learn more about this treatment? Contact us today to schedule your consultation at our practice in Lincoln Park, River North, or Bucktown. We look forward to hearing from you!
