Real relief from jaw pain, teeth grinding, and TMJ — delivered by a specialist team at SPOCS Orthodontics in St. Petersburg.
If you wake up with a sore jaw, suffer from frequent headaches, or feel constant tension in your face and neck, you may have a TMJ disorder. At SPOCS Orthodontics, Dr. Ahmed Mansour, DDS leads a dedicated clinical team offering neuromodulator therapy — using Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin — to relax overworked jaw muscles, reduce pain, and restore comfort. This is a cash-pay, specialist-level program. Not a med spa. Not a shortcut. Real clinical care for real jaw pain.
Ready to start?
Book a TMJ Evaluation — or take the self-assessment first.
Neuromodulator therapy uses small, precise injections of botulinum toxin — Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin — to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for jaw clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), and TMJ-related pain. When injected into the masseter (jaw muscle) and temporalis (temple muscle), the medication reduces the muscle’s ability to contract with full force. The result: less grinding, less tension, and significantly less pain — without surgery, without downtime, and without ongoing medication.
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Most patients begin to notice results within 3 to 14 days. Effects typically last 3 to 4 months, after which a simple maintenance visit maintains relief.
(onabotulinumtoxinA)
The gold standard. FDA approved for chronic migraine. The most clinically established neuromodulator for jaw pain and TMJ treatment.
(abobotulinumtoxinA)
Fast-acting and widely diffusing — ideal for larger treatment areas. May be preferred for patients who want broader muscle coverage or faster onset of relief.
(incobotulinumtoxinA)
Preservative-free and protein-free — a strong choice for patients with sensitivities or those who have used Botox long-term and want to reduce the chance of resistance.
The right product for you is determined by Dr. Mansour at your TMJ evaluation based on your clinical needs, treatment history, and goals. All three options are available at SPOCS.
Neuromodulator therapy at SPOCS targets the muscle-driven causes of orofacial pain. If your jaw, head, or neck pain has a muscular component, this treatment may provide significant — and lasting — relief.
Jaw pain, clicking, locking, and difficulty chewing. Neuromodulator therapy relaxes the muscles that stress the joint — reducing pain and improving function.
Chronic grinding wears down teeth and creates jaw tension. Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin reduces the force of these contractions — protecting your teeth.
Tight, overworked masseter and temporalis muscles create a constant dull ache in the jaw, temples, and face. Neuromodulator therapy provides targeted relief where it's needed most.
For 15+ headache days/month, the FDA-approved PREEMPT protocol delivers 155 units across 31 precise injection sites in 7 head and neck muscle groups.
Muscle-driven tension headaches originating in the jaw, temples, and scalp respond well to targeted neuromodulator treatment. Many patients report a significant reduction in headache days.
Myofascial pain syndrome creates referred pain patterns throughout the face, jaw, and neck. Neuromodulator therapy breaks the cycle of muscle tension that drives this pain.
Injection sites may feel slightly tender. Normal and temporary.
Effects begin — muscles gradually relax, tension reduces.
Full effect. Jaw pain, grinding, and headaches significantly reduced for most patients.
Effects begin to wear off — time to schedule your maintenance visit.
Quarterly maintenance maintains consistent, long-term relief.
Most neuromodulator therapy in the Tampa Bay area is offered at med spas — by injectors without the clinical training to diagnose what’s actually driving your pain. At SPOCS Orthodontics, your treatment begins with a comprehensive TMJ evaluation by Dr. Ahmed Mansour, DDS — an orthodontist with deep expertise in jaw structure, bite mechanics, and orofacial function. He identifies the root cause. He designs the treatment plan. Then Laura Reeger, APRN, FNP-BC — a certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with specialized AAFE training in botulinum toxin therapy and TMJ — administers your injections with precision.
The program operates under the medical oversight of Lilliana Barillas-Arias, MD as Medical Director — providing the clinical structure and accountability that a specialty therapeutic program requires.
Dr. Ahmed Mansour, DDS
Orthodontist & TMJ Specialist
TMJ evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Dr. Mansour’s orthodontic background means your jaw mechanics are evaluated with the depth of knowledge a med spa simply cannot provide.
Laura Reeger, APRN, FNP-BC
Neuromodulator Injector
AAFE-certified in botulinum toxin therapy and TMJ/facial pain. Laura administers all injections and manages patient care from first treatment through ongoing maintenance.
Lilliana Barillas-Arias, MD
Medical Director
Physician Medical Director overseeing the neuromodulator therapy program — ensuring clinical standards, compliance, and patient safety at every step.
This Is a Cash-Pay Specialty Program — Not a Med Spa
SPOCS does not bill insurance for neuromodulator therapy. However, we provide a complete documentation package (itemized statement, clinical findings, and a letter of medical necessity) so you can submit to your own insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
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Dr. Mansour performs a comprehensive clinical exam of your jaw muscles, joint function, bite, and symptom history. He identifies the root cause of your pain and designs a personalized treatment plan — including which muscles to treat, which product to use, and how many units are appropriate for you.
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Dr. Mansour walks you through the recommended approach, expected results, treatment frequency, and investment. No surprises.
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Laura Reeger, APRN, FNP-BC administers the injections precisely into the targeted muscles. Most patients describe minimal discomfort — the procedure is fast and straightforward.
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You receive written post-care instructions before you leave. The full visit is typically complete within 30–40 minutes. No anesthesia. No downtime.
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Laura checks in to assess your response, answer questions, and document your results. This visit is included in your treatment at no additional charge.
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Results typically last 3 to 4 months. A simple maintenance procedure keeps you comfortable and your symptoms managed year-round.
The SPOCS Neuromodulator Therapy Program is a cash-pay program — we do not bill dental or medical insurance directly. Your investment is based entirely on your diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, which is developed by Dr. Mansour at your evaluation. No two patients are identical, and neither are their treatment plans.
At your TMJ evaluation, Dr. Mansour will assess your condition, identify which muscles are involved, determine the appropriate product and dosing for your specific needs, and walk you through the full recommended course of treatment and what it will cost — before anything is scheduled. There are no surprises.
Every procedure at SPOCS includes a complimentary follow-up visit so we can assess your response and make any adjustments. For patients who benefit from ongoing maintenance, we offer prepaid plans that simplify scheduling and provide long-term value.
Insurance Note: This is a cash-pay program. We do not bill dental or medical insurance directly. However, we provide a complete documentation package — itemized statement, clinical findings, and a letter of medical necessity from Dr. Mansour — so you can submit to your own insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Learn more on our Insurance & Financing page.
No. While Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are the same medications used cosmetically, the SPOCS program is entirely therapeutic — designed to treat jaw pain, TMJ disorders, bruxism, and chronic migraines. Your treatment is planned by an orthodontist and administered by a certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. This is clinical care, not a cosmetic procedure.
The best way to find out is a TMJ evaluation with Dr. Mansour. Common signs you may benefit include: jaw pain or soreness on waking, frequent headaches or migraines, teeth grinding or clenching, jaw clicking or locking, tension in the temples or face, or neck and shoulder tension connected to jaw function. You can also take our TMJ Self-Assessment to get an initial sense of whether your symptoms align.
Most patients describe minimal discomfort — a quick pinch at each injection site. No anesthesia is required. The procedure is typically complete in 30 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately.
You’ll begin to notice the muscles relaxing within 3 to 14 days of your procedure. Full effect is typically felt at 2 to 4 weeks. A complimentary follow-up visit at that point allows us to assess your response and document your results.
That’s determined by Dr. Mansour at your evaluation. All three are available at SPOCS. The choice depends on your clinical needs, treatment history, and goals. Botox is the most established and is FDA approved for chronic migraine. Xeomin is preservative-free and a strong choice for long-term patients. Dysport acts quickly and diffuses broadly — well-suited for certain treatment areas.
The SPOCS Neuromodulator Therapy Program is cash-pay — we do not bill dental or medical insurance directly. However, we provide a complete documentation package (itemized statement, clinical findings, and a letter of medical necessity) that you can submit to your own insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
PREEMPT stands for Phase 3 REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy — the FDA-approved clinical protocol that established the standard for Botox in chronic migraine treatment. It involves 155 units of botulinum toxin injected across 31 precise sites in 7 head and neck muscle groups, repeated every 12 weeks. Dr. Mansour evaluates each patient individually to determine whether and how the PREEMPT protocol applies to their specific migraine pattern.
No. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after their procedure. You’ll receive specific post-care instructions — including avoiding strenuous exercise and not massaging the treated area for 24 hours — but there is no recovery period.
Experiencing severe pain? Chat with Marina now for after-hours support.
Take our quick TMJ Self-Assessment to see if your symptoms align — or book a TMJ evaluation directly with Dr. Mansour and our clinical team.
3200 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 | Mon–Fri 7AM–6PM | Hablamos Español