If you wake up with a sore jaw, get headaches at your temples, or catch yourself clenching your teeth during the day, you're not alone. TMJ problems are common, and the muscles that move your jaw are often part of the story. At The Skin Clinic in North Mankato, we offer two non-surgical options that target those overworked muscles: Botox (masseter tox) and EMFACE for TMJ. Here's how they compare and how to tell which might fit you.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joints, the hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull. When people say "I have TMJ," they usually mean a temporomandibular disorder (TMD): pain or dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control it. Common signs include:
Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
Clenching during the day or grinding at night (bruxism)
Tension headaches at the temples
Clicking, popping, or a jaw that feels tight or tired
Pain that spreads into the cheeks, ears or neck
A wider-looking lower face from overworked masseter muscles
Stress, poor sleep, posture and habits like clenching can keep the masseter and temporalis muscles tight. That's where muscle-focused treatments can help.
When to see your dentist or doctor first
Some jaw problems need a dental or medical evaluation before any other treatment. See your dentist or doctor if your jaw locks open or closed, you have sudden or severe pain, swelling, fever or numbness, your bite suddenly feels different, the pain started after an injury, or you have trouble opening your mouth, chewing or swallowing. We're happy to work alongside your dentist, doctor or physical therapist.
Option 1: Botox for TMJ and jaw clenching
A wrinkle relaxer such as Botox, Dysport or Jeuveau can be injected into the masseter, the large chewing muscle at the back of the jaw. It temporarily reduces how hard that muscle can contract, which may ease clenching, grinding-related soreness and tension headaches. Over time, a relaxed masseter can also soften a square or wide-looking jawline.
Treatment takes just a few minutes, with small injections and little to no downtime.
Results build over about 1–2 weeks and often last 3–6 months.
Using Botox for TMJ or teeth grinding is an off-label use, so choose an experienced, licensed injector.
At The Skin Clinic, injections are performed by our licensed NP and RN injectors.
Learn more on our Botox and wrinkle relaxer page.
Option 2: EMFACE for TMJ
EMFACE is a needle-free treatment that combines synchronized radiofrequency (RF) with HIFES™ muscle stimulation. For jaw tension, applicators are placed over the overactive jaw muscles. The muscles go through cycles of contraction and release while gentle heat warms the tissue. EMFACE is FDA-cleared for the treatment of TMJ dysfunction and associated pain, relief of muscle spasm, and improving jaw range of motion.
Each session takes about 20 minutes, with no needles and no downtime.
It's usually done as a series of sessions about a week apart.
You'll feel warmth and rhythmic muscle contractions, adjusted for comfort.
It's a good fit if you'd rather avoid injections.
Learn more on our EMFACE for TMJ page.
Botox vs. EMFACE: which is right for you?
Botox may be the better fit for strong clenching or grinding, overactive masseter muscles, or a wide-looking lower face.
EMFACE may be the better fit if you want a needle-free option with no downtime, or have mild to moderate clenching and muscle tension.
Both together can help with stronger symptoms. Some patients pair masseter tox with an EMFACE series, and your provider can help you decide.
Neither treatment replaces a night guard, dental care or physical therapy when you need them, and results vary from person to person.
Supporting your jaw at home
Small habits help: notice daytime clenching and keep "lips together, teeth apart," manage stress, limit gum and very chewy foods, wear your night guard if your dentist recommends one, and protect your sleep.
TMJ treatment in Mankato, MN
The Skin Clinic offers Botox and EMFACE for jaw tension at 1105 Range Street in North Mankato, serving Mankato, St. Peter, New Ulm and communities across Southern Minnesota. Your consultation includes a review of your symptoms, sleep, stress and dental history so we can recommend the right plan, or refer you when that's best.
Book a consultation or call or text 507-550-2232.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for a medical or dental evaluation.
