Why a Dentist for Botox and Juvederm?

Dentists spend years studying facial anatomy at a clinical level, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and the relationships between them. For injection-based treatments in the lower face, that anatomical fluency is an asset. We know where the marginal mandibular nerve runs, how the masseter and temporalis work in function, and where the orbicularis oris creates the fine lines around the mouth that patients often want to soften.

Add to that the standard of care at a dental office, sterile technique, accurate records, clear informed consent, and dental offices are increasingly where patients prefer to have therapeutic Botox and lip filler done. At Lamb Family Dental, Botox and Juvederm are integrated services, not a separate spa operation.

What We Treat With Botox

TMJ Pain and Jaw Tension

The most common therapeutic use. Chronic jaw tension, clicking, and TMJ pain often stem from overworked masseter muscles. A small amount of Botox placed precisely into the masseter softens the muscle’s overactivity, which typically relieves TMJ pain within 1–2 weeks. Effect lasts 3–4 months before re-treatment is needed. Many TMJ patients combine this with a custom nightguard for layered protection.

Bruxism (Tooth Grinding)

Patients who grind at night (or clench during the day) can crack teeth, wear down restorations, and develop headaches. Botox in the masseter reduces the force of grinding, protecting teeth and restorations, especially valuable for patients who’ve invested in veneers, crowns, or implant restorations they want to preserve.

Gummy Smile

For patients whose upper lip pulls up too high when smiling, showing more gum than tooth, carefully placed Botox above the upper lip relaxes the muscles that lift it. The result is a more proportioned smile without surgery. Effect lasts 3–4 months.

Smoker’s Lines and Lip Lines

Fine vertical lines above the upper lip that develop with age or smoking history can be softened with precise Botox placement. This works well in combination with Juvederm for patients who want both smoothing and volume restoration.

What We Treat With Juvederm

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler. It adds volume where volume has been lost (or where the patient wants more than nature provided). Within our scope as a dental office, we focus on the lower face:

• Lip volume, modest, natural-looking volume in the upper and/or lower lip
• Lip border definition, sharpening the vermilion border without adding overall volume
• Smile lines (nasolabial folds), the creases running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth
• Marionette lines, the vertical lines running down from the corners of the mouth toward the chin

Juvederm lasts 6–12 months depending on the product and placement area. Lip filler tends to metabolize faster (6–9 months); filler in the nasolabial area tends to last longer (9–12 months).

Our Approach: Conservative, Natural, Dentist-Led

We don’t do exaggerated results. A good Botox or Juvederm outcome should look like a better version of you, not a “done” face that advertises the treatment. We under-dose first appointments rather than over-dose; it’s easier to add more at a two-week follow-up than to wait out unwanted effects. Most first-time patients leave saying they look rested and refreshed rather than noticeably different, which is exactly the goal.

What to Expect at a Treatment Appointment

1. Consultation. Dr. Mack or Dr. Pelletier evaluates the specific concern, TMJ pain, bruxism, cosmetic, or a combination, and recommends the right product, units, and placement sites. Goals, expectations, and any medical-history considerations are discussed here.
2. Informed consent. We walk through risks, expected results, duration, aftercare, and pricing. You sign off before any injection.
3. Treatment. Topical numbing for lip filler; usually no numbing needed for Botox. The actual injections take 10–20 minutes depending on the number of areas treated.
4. Aftercare. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Don’t rub or massage the treated areas. Ice as needed for any mild swelling. Most patients return to work the same day.
5. Two-week follow-up (for new patients). We check results, make small adjustments if needed, and plan re-treatment timing.

How Much Do Botox and Juvederm Cost in Boise?

Botox is priced per unit, typically $12–$18 per unit in Boise. Treatment areas require different amounts:

• Masseter (per side, for TMJ/bruxism): 20–40 units per side; total $400–$1,200 for bilateral treatment
• Gummy smile: 4–8 units; total $50–$150
• Smoker’s lines: 4–8 units; total $50–$150

Juvederm is priced per syringe, typically $600–$900 per syringe depending on the specific Juvederm product (Ultra, Volbella, Vollure, Voluma). Most patients need 1 syringe for lip enhancement, 1–2 for nasolabial folds, and occasionally multiple for combined areas. We give exact pricing at your consultation after confirming which product and how much fits your goal.

Medical insurance sometimes covers therapeutic Botox for documented TMJ disorders, we can help document the clinical justification. Cosmetic applications are not covered.

Are These Treatments Right for You?

Good candidates:

• Adults with specific concerns that match what these treatments do
• People who want subtle, natural-looking results
• TMJ patients who’ve tried other conservative treatments without full relief
• Patients who grind heavily and are damaging teeth or restorations
• Patients considering filler for the first time and want a dentist’s steady, conservative approach

We don’t treat: Pregnant or nursing patients. Patients with certain neuromuscular conditions. Patients with unrealistic expectations about how much these products can change. Patients under 18 except in specific therapeutic circumstances with parental involvement.

Meet Your Boise Dentists

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

• Smile makeovers, often combined with Botox and filler for full facial aesthetic planning
• Cosmetic dentistry hub →