A Message From Dr. Michelle Grosleib
Dear Patients,
I am so excited to finally incorporate Botox therapy for orofacial pain, TMJ disorders, clenching and bruxism into the practice. With this email, I will try to answer all the questions I can think of. Please feel free to reach out with any others.
As many of you know, I personally have struggled for years with pain and damage resulting from heavy clenching, having to have a tooth extracted last August due to a detrimental vertical fracture. I have personally worn a night guard for over 22 years now, and know all about the struggles of carrying tension in my mastication muscles.
We treat patients every day with generalized sensitivity due to gum recession and abfractions resulting from clenching and grinding, TMJ disorders, myofascial and orofacial pain, enamel attrition, broken teeth and restorations, tension headaches, reduced vertical dimension, and the list goes on and on.
If you are receiving this message, chances are we have discussed some of these issues for you, and you are probably wearing a night guard already. I probably have already demonstrated some deep muscle massage to alleviate tension, and we have probably already restored some enamel loss on you.
You all know that our dental philosophy is very much a preventative one, and we are thrilled to finally offer a therapy that doesn’t just fix what’s already broken (that’s where our general dentistry comes in), but helps prevent future damage (nightguards, Botox and conscious jaw relaxation). We are here with you, every step of the way!
As many of you have been with our practice for many years, you may be aware that we are very blessed to have a full schedule. Given that I currently don’t have any openings in my near future, I have decided to open “Botox Clinic” days, on my otherwise days off. I will release 4-5 dates at a time, 2 months ahead, and our staff will schedule patients on a first call basis.
Now open for scheduling, Fridays, March 29th, April 5th, April 12th, May 10th and May 31st.
Please see below for my answers to some frequently asked questions.
Best,
Michelle Grosleib, DDS
Valley Village Dental
Q: “What is Botox?”
A: Botulinum toxin is a protein neuromodulator that helps reduce muscle contractions, helping to relax the muscles. When injected into the Masseter and Temporalis muscles, it reduces the amount of stress placed on the teeth and jaw, thereby lowering the risk for TMJ pain, tension headaches and tooth cracks and wear. An added bonus that patients love (myself included), is that when injected into the jaw muscle, Botox is able to contour wide jawlines to give a sharper, leaner look.
Q: “There are a few brands on the market, which do you offer?”
A: After years of research, and getting the injections myself, I have decided to incorporate the Xeomin brand into the office (as opposed to the Botox cosmetic brand). Xeomin has less additives and utilizes a more organic and pure protein that results in less resistance over time, and much less chance of allergic reactions. I only provide for my patients, that which I inject into myself and my family. My patients are my family!
Q: “Does insurance cover this?”
A: It doesn’t appear to be the case. However, after treatment, we will happily give you diagnosis codes and you are welcome to bother your medical insurance about it. Who knows, they might reimburse you something.
Q: “How much will this cost?”
A: The cost will be determined by the number of toxin units your muscle will require. Most masseters require 20-40 units per side, and both sides must be treated simultaneously as these muscles work together. The cost will be between $13-15 per unit, but as a first time special, we will be offering this treatment for $12.50 per unit in the months of March and April.
Q: “How often will I need to get this treatment?”
A: Usually every 3-4 months at the beginning, and as the muscles “work out” less, you will need it less often, at a smaller dose.
Q: “What does it feel like?”
A: Botox does not “numb” the area, it simply helps relax tense jaw muscles and alleviate pain. It allows the patients to let their lower jaw hang heavy the way we were meant to do (allowing a small air-way space between our upper and lower teeth, and avoiding what I like to describe as “jaws of steel”.)
Q: “Can you fix my forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet and radial lip lines?”
A: I can, but will not. 🙂 I currently have no interest in running a MedSpa, and will only use Botox as it pertains to the scope of dentistry.
