Mouth Guards in Newbury Park
Waking up with a sore jaw, a dull headache at your temples, or teeth that feel tender before breakfast can all point to clenching or grinding while you sleep. A Saturday soccer game or weeknight basketball practice carries a different risk: one stray elbow can chip a front tooth. Both problems have the same practical answer, a mouth guard fitted to your own teeth. At 805 Dentistry, we make night guards and sports guards for patients across Newbury Park, from young athletes to adults who have been grinding for years.
A mouth guard is a removable appliance that fits over your teeth to absorb pressure or impact before it reaches your enamel, gums, and jaw. We offer two kinds: night guards, worn during sleep to cushion against clenching and grinding, and sports guards, worn during athletic activity to help protect teeth from blows and falls. They look similar, but each is designed for a different job.
A night guard is usually slim and smooth so you can sleep comfortably and your jaw can rest. A sports guard is built for active play, where the main concern is impact rather than steady pressure. If you or someone in your household needs both, we can talk through each one so you know exactly what to wear and when.
Night guards suit adults and older patients who grind or clench while they sleep. Common signs include flattened or chipped teeth, morning jaw soreness, headaches, or a partner who hears grinding at night. Because grinding happens unconsciously, many people first learn about it at a routine dental exam, when we spot wear patterns on their teeth.
Our practice has a strong focus on TMJ treatment and sleep apnea treatment, and that shapes how we approach night guards. If your symptoms include jaw clicking, locking, limited movement, or ongoing facial pain, we look beyond the guard itself. We offer TMJ therapy and orofacial pain care, so Newbury Park patients don't need to start over somewhere else if their situation calls for more than a night guard.
Who needs a sports mouth guard?
Anyone who plays a sport with a risk of contact, falls, or flying equipment is a good candidate for a sports guard. That includes kids in youth leagues, teens on school teams, and adults who still play pickup games or ride. We see patients of all ages, so one visit can often cover several family members.
A guard can also help protect braces and the soft tissues around them during play. Since we offer traditional braces and clear aligners, we can advise orthodontic patients on wearing a guard while their treatment is underway. If a tooth does get injured despite precautions, our office offers emergency dental appointments and treats traumatic dental injuries and cracked teeth.
What happens when I get a custom mouth guard?
Getting a mouth guard starts with an exam so we understand your teeth, bite, and reasons for wanting one. From there, we capture the shape of your teeth so the guard fits your mouth rather than a generic size. Our office also includes an on-site dental lab, part of how we keep care under one roof.
Here is what Newbury Park patients can expect:
- Evaluation: We check for grinding wear, jaw symptoms, or sport-specific needs.
- Choosing a type: We help you decide between a night guard, a sports guard, or both.
- Fitting: We check the finished guard in your mouth and make sure it seats comfortably.
- Instructions: You go home knowing how to wear, clean, and store it.
Aftercare is simple but matters. Rinse your guard after each use, brush it gently, and let it dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, such as a hot car, which can warp its shape. Bring it to your regular cleanings so we can check its condition and fit, especially for growing children whose mouths change over time.
How do I pay for a mouth guard?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Coverage for mouth guards varies from plan to plan, so our team can help you understand your benefits before you commit.
Financing is also available if you'd rather spread out the cost. Whether you're protecting your teeth from nighttime grinding or outfitting a young athlete before the season, we'll go over your options clearly so there are no surprises. Newbury Park families can call 805 Dentistry, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, to schedule an exam and get started.