Glendale, Arizona
Facial Neuromodulators in Glendale, AZ
Our licensed dental hygienists deliver precise neuromodulator therapy for expression lines, bruxism relief, and facial balance -- combining dental anatomy expertise with daily injection precision in a fully clinical setting.
Why Dental Hygienists for Neuromodulators?
Dental hygienists and dentists are among the most anatomically trained injectors in healthcare -- and the reason makes complete clinical sense. Both complete rigorous training in the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bony landmarks of the face and jaw. That knowledge is precisely what determines safe, accurate neuromodulator placement.
Beyond anatomy, our team administers injections in the face as a routine part of dental clinical practice -- delivering precise doses to specific anatomical sites daily. The depth judgment, hand control, and tissue response awareness developed through years of clinical practice translates directly to neuromodulator administration.
Our team is also uniquely positioned to coordinate neuromodulator therapy with dental treatment. Gummy smile reduction, masseter neuromodulator therapy for bruxism, and cosmetic expression line treatment can all be planned and delivered in a single practice that understands how each element connects to the others.
Your Providers
Neuromodulator Treatments by Our Hygiene Team
Neuromodulator treatments at SmileScience are performed by our licensed dental hygienists -- supervised by Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke.
Our Licensed Dental Hygienists
Our hygiene team completed formal clinical training in head and neck anatomy, pharmacology, and injection technique as part of their hygiene education -- and have completed dedicated coursework in facial neuromodulator therapy.
- Arizona state board licensed dental hygienists
- Specialized training in facial neuromodulator injection
- Daily clinical injection practice in a dental setting
- Conservative anatomy-guided technique -- natural results
- All treatments performed in a fully equipped clinical environment
Clinical Supervision
All neuromodulator treatment plans are reviewed and every treatment session is supervised by Dr. Richard Dawson or Dr. John Turke. The clinical environment at SmileScience meets the same standards as all dental procedures.
Dr. Richard Dawson & Dr. John Turke
Cosmetic vs. Therapeutic Neuromodulators
Cosmetic Neuromodulators
Softens expression lines caused by repeated facial muscle movement. Results appear within 3 to 7 days and last 3 to 4 months.
Treatment Areas
- Forehead lines (frontalis)
- Glabellar lines -- frown lines between the brows
- Crow's feet -- lateral orbital lines
- Bunny lines (nasalis)
- Lip lines -- vertical perioral lines (orbicularis oris)
- Brow lift -- lateral brow elevation
- DAO treatment -- lifting downturned mouth corners
- Gummy smile reduction -- levator labii treatment
Therapeutic Neuromodulators
Reduces muscle activity for functional benefit -- most commonly in the masseter muscle for bruxism relief and jaw muscle reduction. A natural fit in a dental setting.
Clinical Applications
- Masseter treatment for bruxism -- teeth grinding
- Masseter reduction for jawline slimming
- Nighttime clenching and jaw fatigue relief
- Headache reduction associated with clenching
- Gummy smile reduction -- lip elevation control
- Protection of dental restorations from grinding forces
How Neuromodulators Work
Neuromodulators are proteins derived from botulinum toxin that temporarily block the nerve signal that tells a targeted muscle to contract. When injected in precise small doses into a specific muscle, that muscle relaxes for a period of months. The surrounding muscles continue to function normally, preserving natural expression and function. At SmileScience we primarily use Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs), an FDA-approved neuromodulator product -- selected for its consistency, purity profile, and reliable onset characteristics.
For cosmetic applications, relaxing the muscles responsible for expression lines prevents the repeated folding of skin that deepens those lines over time. Regular neuromodulator treatment over several years can produce meaningful softening of expression lines even during the intervals between treatments.
For therapeutic applications -- such as masseter treatment for bruxism -- the same mechanism reduces the force of the muscle contraction responsible for grinding and clenching. Over time, with consistent treatment, the masseter muscle typically reduces in bulk and grinding forces diminish substantially.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
- 15--20 minutes
We discuss your concerns, review your medical history, and assess your facial anatomy and muscle activity. We explain realistic outcomes and provide a written treatment plan with costs. Many patients proceed with treatment on the same visit.
Consultation
Preparation
Topical anesthetic cream is applied if requested. Photographs are taken for your clinical record. Treatment areas are marked. Product is prepared in precise dosage amounts specific to each area being treated.
- 15--30 minutes
Fine-gauge needles are used for all injections. Most patients describe a brief pinching sensation. No sedation is required. For masseter treatment, multiple injection points are placed within the muscle belly on each side.
Injection
Results Onset
3--7 days, full effect at 2 weeksInitial softening of muscle activity is noticeable within 3 to 7 days. The full effect is typically visible at 2 weeks. A follow-up at 2 weeks allows us to assess results and, if needed, add a small touch-up to any undertreated area at no additional charge.
- Every 3--4 months
Cosmetic results last 3 to 4 months. Masseter neuromodulator therapy may last slightly longer -- 4 to 6 months -- and many patients require less product over time as the muscle gradually reduces in bulk with consistent treatment.
Maintenance
Before and After Instructions
Before Your Appointment
- Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 24 hours prior to reduce bruising risk
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
- Come with a clean face -- remove makeup from treatment areas
- Notify us of any current prescription medications, especially blood thinners or immunosuppressants
- Do not schedule treatment if you have an active skin infection or are pregnant
After Your Appointment
- Do not lie down or bend over significantly for 4 hours after treatment
- Do not massage or rub treated areas for 4 hours -- this can cause migration of the product
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Avoid heat exposure (saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga) for 24 hours
- Expect full results at 2 weeks -- your follow-up appointment is at 2 weeks to assess and touch up if needed
Therapeutic Application
Masseter Neuromodulator Therapy for Bruxism
Bruxism -- habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth -- creates significant force through the masseter muscles, the primary jaw-closing muscles located in the cheeks. Over time, this damages teeth, causes jaw fatigue, contributes to headaches, and can result in a square, overly prominent jawline from muscle hypertrophy.
Neuromodulator therapy targeting the masseter temporarily reduces the force of muscle contraction. This does not affect the ability to chew normally -- only the excessive clenching force that damages teeth and causes discomfort is reduced. Many patients notice meaningful symptom improvement within 2 to 4 weeks of their first treatment.
A secondary benefit of masseter treatment is jawline slimming. A hypertrophied masseter creates a wide, square jaw. As the muscle gradually reduces in size with consistent treatment, the jawline softens into a more tapered, oval shape.
Clinical note: Neuromodulator therapy for the masseter is an established clinical application in dental medicine for managing bruxism-related jaw muscle hyperactivity. Some therapeutic applications represent clinically adopted uses; clinical evidence and individual appropriateness are reviewed at every consultation.
Who Benefits from Masseter Treatment
- Patients diagnosed with bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Patients who wake with jaw soreness or morning headaches
- Patients protecting dental restorations from grinding forces
- Patients wanting non-surgical jawline slimming
- Patients with visibly enlarged masseter muscles
Masseter Treatment + Dental Work
Masseter neuromodulator therapy is an excellent complement to dental restorations. Patients with veneers, crowns, or implants who grind can protect those restorations by reducing the forces acting on them. We often recommend this therapy as part of comprehensive dental treatment planning for bruxers.
Cost of Neuromodulator Treatments at SmileScience
Neuromodulator treatment is priced per treatment area. Most cosmetic areas require 10 to 25 units depending on the zone and muscle strength. Masseter treatment requires more units per side due to the size of the muscle. Pricing ranges from $150 to $500 per area:
| Treatment Area | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Forehead lines | $200 to $300 |
| Glabellar lines (frown lines) | $200 to $300 |
| Crow's feet (both sides) | $200 to $350 |
| Bunny lines | $150 to $200 |
| Masseter (both sides, therapeutic) | $350 to $500 |
| Gummy smile reduction | $150 to $250 |
Most patients treat two to three areas per appointment. Combining areas in a single session is efficient and cost-effective. Exact costs are provided in writing at your consultation before any treatment begins. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Combining Neuromodulators with Dental Treatment
Because SmileScience delivers both dental care and facial aesthetics, there are natural and meaningful ways to combine them:
Gummy Smile
A gummy smile -- where a large portion of the gum is exposed when smiling -- can be reduced with targeted neuromodulator treatment to the lip elevator muscles. A quick, non-surgical approach that complements cosmetic dental work on the teeth.
Bruxism + Restorations
Masseter neuromodulator therapy reduces the grinding forces that damage crowns, veneers, and implant restorations. For patients investing in cosmetic or restorative dental work, therapeutic treatment is a practical way to protect that investment.
Smile Makeover
Veneers or smile design paired with crow's feet treatment and lip filler addresses the smile and its surrounding frame together. The result is more complete than dental work alone.
Convenience
Patients can schedule neuromodulator appointments around their existing dental visits. One provider team, one relationship, one record -- covering both dental and facial aesthetic needs without coordinating between separate practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dentists and licensed dental hygienists receive extensive training in facial anatomy -- the muscles, nerves, and vasculature of the face -- as part of their formal clinical education. This is directly relevant to safe and precise neuromodulator injection. In addition, our team administers injections as a core clinical skill daily, giving a level of injection experience most med spa providers do not have. For patients who also have bruxism or want to coordinate treatment with cosmetic dental care, a dental practice is the only setting that can manage all of those needs together.
Neuromodulator treatments are performed by our licensed dental hygienists under the clinical supervision of Dr. Richard Dawson and Dr. John Turke. Dental hygienists complete rigorous clinical training in head and neck anatomy and are licensed in Arizona to perform injectable procedures in a supervised dental setting. Every treatment plan is reviewed by the supervising dentist prior to the appointment.
Yes. Dental offices are clinical medical facilities that operate under the same infection control, safety, and professional licensing standards as other healthcare settings. In many respects, the clinical environment at a dental practice is more structured and regulated than a med spa. Our providers are licensed clinicians with specific training in facial aesthetic injectable treatments, and treatment takes place in a fully equipped operatory with emergency protocols in place.
Cosmetic results for expression lines typically last 3 to 4 months. Results gradually wear off as nerve signaling to the muscle restores. Masseter treatment for bruxism may last slightly longer -- 4 to 6 months -- and many patients require retreatment less frequently over time as the masseter gradually reduces in size. First-time patients may notice shorter duration; results tend to last longer with consistent maintenance treatment.
Not with proper dosing and placement. The goal is to reduce the force of a specific muscle contraction -- not to eliminate all movement. A frozen appearance results from overtreatment or poor placement. Our team uses conservative doses, evaluates muscle strength before injection, and places product to preserve natural facial expression while softening the lines caused by those expressions.
Neuromodulators are not a standalone treatment for TMJ disorder and should not be presented as such. However, treatment targeting the masseter muscle can meaningfully reduce the clenching and grinding forces associated with bruxism -- which is a contributing factor in many cases of jaw discomfort. For patients whose jaw symptoms are related to muscle hyperactivity from grinding, this therapy is a useful part of the treatment picture alongside a nightguard and other dental interventions. If you have jaw pain, a comprehensive evaluation is the right first step.
Yes, and combining them is very common. Neuromodulators address dynamic expression lines in the upper face; fillers address static lines and volume loss in the mid and lower face. Together they produce a more complete rejuvenation result than either alone. When combining, we administer neuromodulators first, then filler. The total appointment runs 45 to 60 minutes.
Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 24 hours prior. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Come with a clean face. Bring a list of any prescription medications. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment -- there is no need to fast. Bring photos of results you like if you have them; they help us calibrate the treatment to your goals.
Neuromodulators work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause expression lines -- effective for forehead lines, crow's feet, and glabellar lines. Dermal fillers replace lost volume under the skin to smooth static lines and enhance contours. Neuromodulators have no volumizing effect; fillers have no muscle-relaxing effect. They work on entirely different mechanisms and are often best used together. See our dermal fillers page for more detail.
What Our Patients Say
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
Precision Injections. Dental-Level Expertise.
Cosmetic and therapeutic neuromodulator treatments by our licensed hygiene team at SmileScience Dental Spa in Glendale, AZ. Natural results. Medical-grade product. Clinical-setting safety standards.