Botox
Altoona Dentist
Last updated
You will find our office to be equipped with amenities designed to make your experience more pleasant and enjoyable. From a comfortable waiting area to relaxing treatment areas, every detail has been designed with your satisfaction in mind.
More than teeth!…. Welcome to Esthetic Botox at Altoona Smiles
Thinking about Botox for cosmetic enhancement? You might be surprised to learn that your dentist is one of the most qualified professionals to provide this treatment. With advanced training in facial anatomy, dentists are uniquely skilled at delivering Botox with precision and care. Dr. Eric, Dr. Mary, and Dr. Nicole have each completed extensive training through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. They offer Botox treatments not only for esthetic purposes—such as smoothing fine lines, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing facial balance—but also for therapeutic relief from conditions like TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
Whether you’re looking to soften crow’s feet, ease forehead lines, lift sagging marionette lines, or simply refresh your overall appearance, our experienced team delivers safe, customized Botox treatments in the comfort of our trusted dental office.
Rejuvenate your look with confidence—schedule your consultation today!
Get a smooth, Youthful look!
Doctor Eric Forsberg, Doctor Nicole Brummel and Doctor Mary Bucklin are certified members of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE).
Featured Treatments
Botox® (Cosmetic)
Cosmetic Botox is a non-surgical injection that reduces dynamic wrinkles.
Botox® (Therapeutic)
Therapeutic Botox treats chronic pain and specific muscle-related dental concerns.
Botox Cosmetic vs. Therapeutic Applications and Satisfaction
Treatment Effectiveness %
Patient Satisfaction %
Cosmetic Botox (Perioral Lines)
92
94
Cosmetic Botox (Gummy Smile Reduction)
88
91
Therapeutic Botox (Bruxism/Grinding)
90
92
Therapeutic Botox (Tension Headaches)
85
88
Combined (Cosmetic + Therapeutic)
93
95
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
Narrative: Shows that Botox achieves high satisfaction across both cosmetic (94-91%) and therapeutic (92-88%) applications. Combined cosmetic and therapeutic treatment achieves highest satisfaction (95%), suggesting that addressing both esthetic concerns and functional problems simultaneously provides optimal patient outcomes.
| Botox Application | Treatment Goal | Effectiveness | Duration | Patient Satisfaction | Results Onset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic: Perioral lines | Soften lines around mouth | 92% noticeable improvement | 3 – 4 months | 94% satisfied | 3 – 7 days; full at 2 weeks |
| Cosmetic: Gummy smile | Reduce excessive gum display | 88% reduction in gum show | 3 – 4 months | 91% satisfied | 3 – 7 days; full at 2 weeks |
| Cosmetic: Forehead lines | Smooth forehead wrinkles | 90% improvement | 3 – 4 months | 92% satisfied | 3 – 7 days; full at 2 weeks |
| Therapeutic: Bruxism (grinding) | Reduce jaw clenching and tooth wear | 90% reduction in grinding | 3 – 4 months | 92% satisfied | 5 – 14 days; full benefit at 4 weeks |
| Therapeutic: Tension headaches | Relieve tension-related migraines | 85% reduction in headaches | 3 – 4 months | 88% satisfied | 7 – 14 days; full benefit at 4 weeks |
| Combined cosmetic + therapeutic | Address wrinkles + functional problems | 93% effectiveness | 3 – 4 months | 95% satisfied | Mixed timeline |
FDA Approval Information for Botulinum Toxin | American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) | Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry | Journal of Orofacial Pain (therapeutic applications) | Clinical studies on Botox safety and efficacy in dental contexts
Key Findings About Botox® Services
Botox (botulinum toxin) is FDA-approved for both cosmetic and therapeutic dental applications; in cosmetic contexts, it reduces dynamic facial wrinkles caused by muscle movement, while in therapeutic contexts, it relieves muscle tension, reduces teeth grinding damage, and alleviates tension-related headaches.
Cosmetic Botox in dentistry focuses on enhancing smiles by softening perioral lines (lines around the mouth), reducing gummy smile appearance (excessive gum display when smiling), and creating better smile proportions; when combined with cosmetic dental treatments like veneers or whitening, Botox enhances overall smile esthetics.
Therapeutic Botox applications include treating bruxism (teeth grinding) by relaxing masseter and temporal is muscles, reducing associated jaw pain and tooth wear, and treating tension-type headaches related to muscle tension in the jaw and neck area; many patients experience significant relief from these chronic conditions.
The onset of Botox effects typically begins at 3-7 days, with full effects apparent at 2 weeks; results last approximately 3-4 months, requiring periodic re-treatment to maintain effects. Early re-treatment (before complete reversal) can maintain results more consistently.
Safety profile of Botox is excellent when administered by trained professionals using appropriate doses; serious side effects are extremely rare, and temporary side effects (bruising, mild asymmetry) resolve within days to weeks.
Results from Botox look most natural when administered conservatively, the goal is enhancement and functional improvement, not dramatic changes that eliminate natural facial expression; patients should avoid untrained providers or excessive doses that create an artificial “frozen” appearance.
See Why Patients Trust Us Through Verified Reviews
“Botox has become a staple in modern cosmetic and therapeutic dentistry, with applications far beyond what most people realize. In cosmetic contexts, a small amount of Botox strategically placed can enhance your smile by softening lip lines and creating better smile proportions. Therapeutically, Botox can relieve jaw tension, reduce teeth grinding damage, and alleviate headaches related to muscle tension. The key is proper training, precise placement, and modest doses that look natural rather than frozen. I use Botox conservatively to enhance your natural appearance and address real functional problems, not to create dramatic changes that don’t look like you.”
Dr. Mary Bucklin
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentist
Questions Patients Ask About Botox®
Is Botox safe, and are there side effects?
Botox is FDA-approved and has an excellent safety profile when administered by trained professionals using appropriate doses. Temporary side effects (bruising, swelling, mild asymmetry) are rare and resolve within days to weeks. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The Altoona Smiles team uses conservative doses to maintain natural facial expression, the goal is enhancement, not dramatic changes. Before treatment, the team discusses your goals and manages expectations to ensure natural-looking results.
How long do Botox results last, and how often do I need treatment?
Botox results typically last 3-4 months. You’ll notice effects begin at 3-7 days, with full results at 2 weeks. Most patients schedule re-treatment every 3-4 months to maintain results. Some patients find that regular re-treatment (before complete reversal) maintains results more consistently over time. The Altoona Smiles team helps you establish a maintenance schedule that fits your goals and schedule.
Can Botox help with teeth grinding or jaw tension?
Yes. Therapeutic Botox relaxes the masseter and temporal is muscles (jaw muscles responsible for clenching and grinding), reducing grinding behavior and associated jaw pain and tooth wear. It also relieves tension headaches related to muscle tension. Many patients experience significant functional improvement, not just cosmetic benefits. The Altoona Smiles team can discuss whether therapeutic Botox might help your specific situation.
Will Botox make me look frozen or unnatural?
Not if administered conservatively by a trained provider. The Altoona Smiles team uses modest doses to enhance your natural appearance and address specific concerns, lines around the mouth, excessive gum display, or jaw tension, without eliminating natural facial expression. The goal is “You, but better,” not a dramatic transformation that looks artificial. Results should be noticeable to you but subtle to others.
Can I combine Botox with other cosmetic dental treatments?
Absolutely. Botox works beautifully in combination with other cosmetic treatments like whitening, veneers, or smile makeovers. While dental restorations address tooth appearance directly, Botox enhances the facial structure around your smile. Many patients find that combining treatments achieves better overall results than any single treatment alone. The Altoona Smiles team can discuss how Botox might enhance your other cosmetic plans.