Cosmetic Injectables in Wilmington, NC
Soften fine lines or ease jaw tension with care from Dr. Friberg
Cosmetic injectables in Wilmington, NC can temporarily soften expression lines and may help reduce jaw muscle tension caused by clenching or grinding. At Thrive Family Dental, Dr. Ben Friberg, DDS, evaluates your facial muscles, bite, symptoms, and goals to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ben Friberg, DDS, Thrive Family Dental · Wilmington, NC. Last updated August 2026
What can cosmetic injectables
help with?
Jaw tension from clenching and grinding
If you regularly clench or grind your teeth, overworked jaw muscles can contribute to soreness, facial tension, and headaches.
For appropriate patients, injectable neuromodulators may be used to temporarily relax muscles such as the masseter and temporalis and reduce the force of contraction.
This treatment doesn’t correct every cause of TMJ symptoms or bruxism. Dr. Friberg will first evaluate your bite, jaw function, and symptoms to determine whether injectables make sense as part of your care plan.
Fine lines and expression wrinkles
Cosmetic injectables can temporarily relax the muscles responsible for certain expression lines around areas such as the forehead and eyes.
The goal isn’t to change how you look. It’s to create a softer, more rested appearance that still feels natural to you.
If you’re considering other ways to refresh your smile, explore our cosmetic dentistry options, including professional whitening, veneers, and Invisalign.
Are cosmetic injectables right for you?
You may want to ask Dr. Friberg about cosmetic injectables if you:
- Regularly clench or grind your teeth
- Wake up with jaw soreness or facial tension
- Have been diagnosed with bruxism
- Want to soften certain expression lines
- Prefer a nonsurgical cosmetic option
- Want treatment planned by a dentist familiar with your bite and facial anatomy
Not every headache, jaw problem, or facial line should be treated with injectables. Your consultation is designed to determine whether treatment is appropriate for your specific concerns.
What happens during a cosmetic injectable appointment?
01
Start with an evaluation
Dr. Friberg will ask what you want to improve and evaluate the muscles and areas involved. If jaw tension is your concern, he may also assess your bite, clenching habits, and related symptoms.
01
Start with an evaluation
Dr. Friberg will ask what you want to improve and evaluate the muscles and areas involved. If jaw tension is your concern, he may also assess your bite, clenching habits, and related symptoms.
02
Review your treatment plan
You’ll know which areas may be treated, what the treatment is intended to accomplish, and what results you can reasonably expect before you decide to move forward.
02
Review your treatment plan
03
Receive precise injections
Treatment uses a series of small injections placed in targeted muscles. Appointments are generally brief, and most people can return to their normal routine afterward.
03
Receive precise injections
Treatment uses a series of small injections placed in targeted muscles. Appointments are generally brief, and most people can return to their normal routine afterward.
04
Let the treatment take effect
Neuromodulator results develop gradually rather than immediately. Dr. Friberg will explain when you can expect changes and how long your individual results may last.
04
Let the treatment take effect
Neuromodulator results develop gradually rather than immediately. Dr. Friberg will explain when you can expect changes and how long your individual results may last.
Why see a dentist for cosmetic injectables?
Dentists receive extensive education in the anatomy and function of the face, mouth, jaw, and surrounding muscles.
For Dr. Friberg, that means injectable treatment can be planned with an understanding of more than appearance alone. He can also consider how your bite, clenching, grinding, and facial muscle activity relate to what you’re experiencing.
And if you already visit Thrive Family Dental, you can discuss these concerns with a provider who may already be familiar with your oral health and bite.
Cosmetic injectables and your smile can be planned together
Sometimes facial concerns overlap with dental ones. If you’re interested in making broader changes to your smile, Dr. Friberg can help you understand whether another treatment should be considered first or alongside injectables.
You can also explore:
-
Cosmetic dentistry in Wilmington for veneers, whitening, and other smile enhancements - Invisalign in Wilmington if alignment or your bite is part of what you’d like to improve
There’s no need to choose a treatment before your consultation. Start with what’s bothering you, and we’ll help you understand your options.
Cosmetic injectable FAQs
Who administers cosmetic injectables at Thrive Family Dental?
Can cosmetic injectables help TMJ pain?
Injectable neuromodulators may help some patients whose jaw discomfort is associated with overactive muscles or clenching.
However, TMJ symptoms can have several causes, so injectables aren’t appropriate for every patient and shouldn’t be considered a cure for TMJ disorders. Dr. Friberg will evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment based on what appears to be contributing to the problem.
Can cosmetic injectables help with teeth grinding?
What’s the difference between cosmetic treatment and jaw tension treatment?
Cosmetic treatment focuses on temporarily softening certain expression lines. Jaw tension treatment targets overactive muscles involved in clenching or grinding. Your treatment plan will be based on your anatomy, symptoms, and goals.
Do cosmetic injectables hurt?
Most people describe the injections as brief pinches. A fine needle is used, and the appointment is generally completed without significant recovery time.
How quickly will I see results?
How long do cosmetic injectable results last?
Are cosmetic injectables covered by insurance?
Can I combine cosmetic injectables with dental treatment?
Often, yes. For example, patients interested in a broader smile refresh may also consider professional cosmetic dentistry or an Invisalign consultation. Dr. Friberg can help you determine the best order and timing for your treatments.
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Suite 204
Wilmington, NC 28411
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