Mouth Guards in Calabasas
Many people wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel strangely tender. Others spend weekends on a soccer field, basketball court, or skate ramp, where one hard fall can chip a front tooth. A well-fitted mouth guard addresses both situations, and it is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile. At 805 Dentistry, we make night guards and sports guards for children and adults, and many of the families we care for come to our Thousand Oaks office from Calabasas.
Grinding and clenching often happen during sleep, so many people don't know they do it until a partner hears it or a dentist notices worn enamel. Over time, that pressure can flatten the biting surfaces of teeth, strain the jaw joints, and leave muscles tight and achy in the morning. A night guard places a smooth barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Your teeth then press against the guard instead of against each other.
This is where our practice's background matters. Along with general and family dentistry, we have a strong focus on TMJ treatment. Our office also includes orofacial pain care for jaw clicking, locking, limited movement, jaw-related headaches, and chronic facial pain. If your grinding seems connected to a larger jaw problem, we can look at the full picture rather than handing you a guard and sending you home.
A sports guard has a different job. Instead of handling slow, steady pressure overnight, it cushions sudden impact from a ball, an elbow, a fall, or a collision. It covers the teeth and helps shield the lips and cheeks from cuts against the teeth. Contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse are obvious examples. Basketball, soccer, baseball, martial arts, and cycling also carry real risk to the teeth.
Because we see patients of all ages, this works well for Calabasas families with kids in youth leagues and parents who still play. Our pediatric care welcomes children ages 4 to 14, and parents are welcome in the treatment room. If an injury happens despite precautions, we offer emergency dental appointments and care for traumatic dental injuries.
Which type of mouth guard is right for me?
The right guard depends on what you need protection from: grinding during sleep, impact during activity, or both. We help you decide after an exam and a conversation about your habits and symptoms.
Here is how the two types generally compare:
- Night guards are made for comfort during hours of wear and protect against grinding and clenching.
- Sports guards are made to absorb impact and protect teeth, lips, and cheeks during activity.
- Good candidates for a night guard include people with morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn or sensitive teeth, or a partner who hears grinding.
- Good candidates for a sports guard include children, teens, and adults who play contact or high-speed sports.
- Some patients benefit from both, such as an athlete who also clenches at night.
A guard that fits your mouth stays in place better and is easier to wear consistently. A guard only helps if you actually wear it, so fit and comfort matter.
What happens during the mouth guard process?
The process starts with an exam so we can check your teeth, bite, and jaw before taking impressions for your guard. If we see signs of grinding, jaw strain, or an issue that needs attention first, we discuss it with you openly.
Next, we capture the shape of your teeth and use it to create a guard that fits your mouth. Having an on-site dental lab supports our work across many treatments. When your guard is ready, we check the fit with you, make adjustments as needed, and show you how to put it in and take it out. Calabasas patients can often schedule this alongside a routine cleaning or exam, which saves an extra trip.
How do I care for my mouth guard, and how can I pay for it?
Rinse your guard after each use, brush it gently, let it dry, and store it in a ventilated case away from heat. Heat can warp a guard and change how it fits. Bring it to your regular checkups so we can look for wear, cracks, or fit changes. Children's mouths change as they grow, so their sports guards may need replacing as they get older.
For payment, we accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available. Coverage for mouth guards varies by plan, so our team is happy to help you understand your benefits before you begin. If you live in Calabasas and wake up sore or have a young athlete at home, contact our office to schedule a visit. We'll help you find the right protection.