Botox is my last chance saloon

[jumpingjules]

I am a veteran of bruxism. I am 45 now and have been at it since I was about 5. (my own five year old has started just recently, Hereditary?)I am not hyperactive or prone to stress nor am I a worrier. I take most things in my stride and I am a good sleeper but a habitual expert at night time clenching.

I have worn night guards since my early 20's which have protected my teeth but have done nothing for nightime clenchings. yes clenchings. I don't grind much any more and proof is in the pudding in that I have 4 veneers which have stayed put perfectly for 13 years so night guard or not grinding would have seen them off.

I have tried ever type of night guard known to man, woman and dentist: top bottom, hard splint, soft, metal splints, bite-adjusting, you name it I still find a place to clench/grind. Guards won't stop you grinding/clenching but they protect your teeth. Period. DOn't give up on them though: as I've said I've had simply dozens in the last 25 years. keep going back to your dentist till you get a comfortable one. All dentists/oral consultants have their own view but the most comfortable is a soft top jaw one. Yes it wears out quickly at £100+ a pop but at least you aren't waking up gagging.

I have had a course of Amitryptiline (anti depressant 1omg at night). gave it up as side effects were not nice and bruxism remained mainly unchanged. Have had great success with acupunture from an Oral surgeon but it lasts only a few days. but works so well and my face literally changed shape in the session. My masseter muscle on my right side is so overdeveloped I have a mishaped face. the acupuncture cured that but only temporarily. I am about to try the botox route. I am concerend about side effects but hey look at what I've been through all ready? will post how I got on.