Teeth Grinding & Masseter Enlargement NYC

Expert Management of Jaw Tension and Lower Face Contouring

At her Upper East Side practice, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marie Hayag provides expert evaluation and treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) and masseter muscle enlargement. Chronic jaw clenching and grinding can lead to facial pain, headaches, dental wear, and widening of the lower face. At Marie Hayag, MD, treatment focuses on precisely relaxing overactive masseter muscles using physician-guided Botox injections to reduce tension, protect oral health, and subtly refine facial contours.

A Brief Overview of Teeth Grinding and Masseter Enlargement

Teeth grinding and masseter enlargement can cause:

  • Jaw pain or tightness
  • Morning headaches
  • Tooth wear or sensitivity
  • Clicking or tension in the jaw
  • A wider or square lower face appearance

Because bruxism often occurs unconsciously, particularly during sleep, professional evaluation is essential to confirm diagnosis, assess muscle hypertrophy, and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

What Causes Teeth Grinding and Masseter Enlargement?

Bruxism and masseter hypertrophy may develop due to:

  • Stress or anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Bite misalignment
  • Habitual jaw clenching
  • Genetic predisposition

Over time, chronic overuse of the masseter muscle can lead to hypertrophy, contributing to both functional discomfort and visible lower face widening.

Treatment Option

Botox for Masseter Muscle Relaxation

Definition:

Botox is an FDA-approved neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles by blocking nerve signals responsible for contraction.

What it helps with:

Botox helps reduce jaw tension, decrease the intensity of teeth grinding, alleviate associated headaches, and gradually slim the lower face by reducing masseter muscle hypertrophy over time.

Who it’s ideal for:

Ideal for patients experiencing bruxism symptoms, jaw discomfort, or cosmetic lower face widening due to masseter enlargement who seek a non-surgical treatment option.

Botox

Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Grinding and Masseter Enlargement Treatment?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Grind or clench your teeth, especially at night
  • Experience jaw soreness or morning headaches
  • Notice widening of the lower face
  • Have been advised by a dentist that you grind your teeth
  • Prefer a non-surgical, minimally invasive solution

A consultation with Dr. Hayag will include assessment of muscle strength, facial proportions, and symptom severity to determine candidacy.

What to Expect During Treatment & Recovery

Botox injections for the masseter muscle are performed in-office and typically take only minutes.

  • Minimal discomfort during injection
  • No significant downtime
  • Mild, temporary soreness or swelling possible

Muscle relaxation develops gradually over 1-2 weeks. Improvement in jaw tension and facial contour refinement typically becomes noticeable within several weeks. Results generally last 3-4 months, with maintenance treatments recommended to sustain therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.

Cost of Masseter Botox

The cost of Botox treatment depends on:

  • The strength and size of the masseter muscles
  • The number of units required
  • Individual treatment goals

During your consultation at Marie Hayag, MD, a personalized treatment plan and detailed pricing estimate will be provided.

Why Choose Marie Hayag, MD for Teeth Grinding and Masseter Enlargement?

  • Board-certified dermatologist
  • Expertise in facial anatomy and neuromodulator treatments
  • Conservative, precision-based injection technique
  • Focus on both functional relief and aesthetic balance
  • Customized dosing for natural-looking results

Dr. Hayag emphasizes safe, anatomically precise injections to reduce symptoms while maintaining facial harmony.

Refined Dermatology, Aesthetic, And Regenerative Care

Excellent rating
Based on 110 reviews
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Dr. Hayag has been my excellent dermatologist for more than 20 years! I won’t reveal my secrets but I will recommend her highly!
Phyllis Lee profile picture
Phyllis Lee
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I had an amazing experience with Dr. Hayag! I went in for a preventative skin check and botox. She is incredibly thorough, knowledgeable, and precise. I can't wait for my next visit!
Rachel Ancel profile picture
Rachel Ancel
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Dr. Hayag has been my dermatologist since I was young, and I truly cannot recommend her highly enough. She treated my acne when I was younger, and I have continued to see her over the years for any skin concerns that come up. She is always incredibly thorough, knowledgeable, and caring, and I completely trust her. On top of that, her entire staff is so warm, kind, and lovely, which makes every visit such a positive experience. I’m so grateful to have had her as my dermatologist for so many years.
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Katie
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Landy Aguiar
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My entire family has been seeing Dr Hayag for over a decade for general dermatology. She’s extremely knowledgeable and provides the best level of care and advice. She’s been equally good for my kids as teens and young adults, focusing on prevention and healthy skin habits. The entire staff is kind and friendly, keeps appointments on time and has great communication. I’m a patient for life - a wonderful doctor and practice.
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Patricia Falconi
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Dr. Hayag is an amazing doctor. Very caring and gentle with her patients. I have been with her for years and will continue to be with her. I highly recommend her.
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Ann Nellissen
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Everyone in the office is so kind and sweet to me I appreciate how they take their time to address my concerns
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mimi chung
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My visit to Dr. Hayag’s Office was superb. No waiting, lovely professional help and Dr. Hayag with an easy confident manner, artistic eye and quick hands managed to make my experience the best ever. I’m so grateful to be in her care.
mary Conley profile picture
mary Conley
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dr. Hayag is an extraordinary dermatologist whose expertise, compassion, and commitment to excellence are unmatched. I have been under her care for over 15 years, and she remains the only dermatologist I trust implicitly. I travel from out of state, over two hours each way for my appointments, which speaks volumes about the caliber of her care. Dr. Hayag’s mastery of dermatology is second to none. She stays at the forefront of innovation, continually advancing her practice by attending leading dermatology conferences and incorporating the most cutting-edge techniques and treatments. Yet what truly distinguishes her is not just her knowledge, but her humanity. She takes the time to listen, to educate, and to ensure her patients feel understood and empowered in every decision. Her genuine care and personal attention are evident in every interaction. She is meticulous, insightful, and wholly dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for her patients. Her office reflects her professionalism and taste, immaculate, serene, and inviting. Her staff embodies the same warmth and excellence she brings to her work, creating an environment that feels both luxurious and deeply personal. Dr. Hayag represents the gold standard in dermatology: exceptional skill, unwavering integrity, and a sincere devotion to her patients’ well-being. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking the very best in dermatologic care.
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Mary Ann M
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My favorite mult-generational doctor! A long-time patient, I trust her judgment and skills so much that I've sent my daughters to Dr. Hayag too!
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Bee-Ann Benson

Your Care Begins With A Conversation

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Botox help with teeth grinding?-+

Botox relaxes the masseter muscle, reducing the intensity of clenching and grinding.

Will Botox affect my ability to chew?-+

When properly administered, Botox reduces excessive muscle activity without interfering with normal chewing.

How long do results last?-+

Results typically last 3-4 months, depending on individual muscle activity.

Is the treatment painful?-+

Discomfort is minimal and brief.

Will my face look slimmer?-+

Yes, gradual slimming of the lower face may occur as the muscle reduces in size.

Is Botox for bruxism safe?-+

Yes. When performed by a board-certified dermatologist, masseter Botox is a safe and well-established treatment.

Precise Jaw Assessment Is Essential for Effective Treatment

Teeth grinding and masseter enlargement vary in severity, muscle strength, and facial structure, making accurate assessment essential before treatment. At Marie Hayag, MD, each patient receives a comprehensive, physician-led evaluation to assess muscle hypertrophy, jaw tension patterns, and aesthetic goals.

Schedule your consultation at our Upper East Side office to receive personalized, evidence-based care designed to relieve jaw tension and restore balanced facial contours.

Call 212-722-2055

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