What the masseter is
The largest muscle of mastication, running from the cheekbone to the jaw angle. In chronic clenchers it activates for hours at a time and progressively enlarges — patients describe 'my jaw has got bigger' over years.
What masseter aesthetic medicine does
A precisely placed dose relaxes the parafunctional overactivity, as described in our guide to masseter anti-wrinkle treatment for jaw slimming and clenching. Normal chewing remains intact, but hours of inactive clenching reduce, and the muscle gradually shrinks back toward baseline over months. Our guide to masseter aftercare covers what to do and what to avoid afterwards.
Why DWL handles this differently
The masseter is overactive for a reason — usually bite misalignment, stress patterns, or sleep airway disturbance. Treating the muscle alone reduces the symptom but not the cause, and the muscle re-enlarges between sessions. Our combined dental + aesthetic consultation (£65, redeemable in full against treatment) assesses bite, splint indication, and aesthetic indication together.
Who suits masseter aesthetic medicine
Documented bruxism with visible hypertrophy, unwanted contour change from years of clenching, TMJ pain with a masseter component, or patients who've worn a splint for 6-12 months with residual bulk.
Pricing
Skin and aesthetic consultation £65, redeemable in full against treatment; masseter treatment from £300; Davies splint £495 if indicated; maintenance every 4-6 months for the first year. See also masseter treatment for TMJ and jaw tension.
By Dr Vishal Patel, BDS, MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry, GDC 103127, sole aesthetic prescriber DWL. Last reviewed 2026-05-17.
