Treating the effects of bruxism with botulinum toxin type A: an overview

In a world where many patients are still afraid they will be left looking ‘overdone’ and ‘unable to move their face’ after treatment with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA), it is perhaps reasonable to suggest that many patients are largely unaware of the vast majority of cosmetic uses that this drug has—let alone the number of therapeutic uses. A 2017 TIME Magazine headline, ‘How Botox became the drug the that's treating everything’, supports the notion that between approved and off-label uses, BoNTA really is ‘a marvel of medicine’ (Sifferlin, 2017).

It is perhaps one thing expecting patients to understand the options available to them when they approach their chosen practitioner for treatment, but it is also worth noting that a significant number of healthcare professionals using BoNTA on a daily basis may be largely unaware of the nature of this procedure—and the results it offers in reality. This article aims to highlight indications for treatment of bruxism using BoNTA to healthcare professionals practising medical aesthetics. This article will also attempt to provide basic guidance on how important a sound understanding of suitable candidates for this procedure are, and what alternative views must be considered when thinking about delivering this treatment.