Mouth Guards in West Hills
Clenching your jaw through the night or taking a hard hit during a weekend game can both leave you with the same problem: worn, chipped, or sore teeth that need repair. A well-made mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile from that kind of everyday wear and accidental impact. At 805 Dentistry, we make custom mouth guards for patients of all ages, and many families from West Hills choose our Thousand Oaks office for this kind of practical, preventive care.
A mouth guard is a removable appliance that fits over your teeth to cushion them and keep them from grinding or colliding. We offer two types, and each solves a different problem. A night guard is worn while you sleep. It places a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which helps when you clench or grind without realizing it. A sports guard is worn during physical activity to absorb force from falls, collisions, or stray balls and elbows.
The main difference comes down to timing and purpose. A night guard is usually slimmer and designed for comfort over many hours of sleep. A sports guard is built to handle sudden impact while you are active. Some patients need only one. Others, such as an adult who grinds at night and also plays in a recreational league, may benefit from both. When you visit, we'll talk through your habits and activities so the guard you get matches how you actually live.
Night guards often suit adults and teens who wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or teeth that feel sensitive or look flattened. Because our practice has a strong focus on TMJ treatment, and our team includes orofacial pain care for jaw clicking, locking, and limited movement, we look at the bigger picture rather than simply handing you an appliance. If we find signs of a jaw joint issue, we can discuss TMJ therapy alongside your night guard.
Sports guards suit children, teens, and adults who play contact sports or anything with a risk of falling or getting hit in the face. Since we see patients from young children through adults, West Hills parents can bring the whole family to one office. That includes kids in youth leagues who keep growing and may need a new guard as their mouths change.
What are the benefits of a custom mouth guard?
A custom guard fits your teeth precisely, which makes it more comfortable to wear and easier to keep in place than a generic option. Because it is made from impressions of your own mouth, it is designed to stay put without you biting down to hold it.
Patients often appreciate these advantages:
- Helps shield teeth from wear caused by nighttime grinding and clenching
- Helps cushion teeth during sports and other physical activities
- Comfortable fit that makes it easier to wear consistently
- Lets you breathe and speak more naturally than a bulky, ill-fitting guard
- Made with our on-site dental lab, so we can adjust the fit when needed
Consistency matters. A guard only protects you when it's in your mouth, so we focus on making yours comfortable enough that wearing it becomes a habit rather than a chore.
What happens when I get a mouth guard at your office?
The process starts with an exam, where we look at your teeth, bite, and jaw, and ask about your symptoms or sports. From there, we take impressions of your teeth so your guard can be shaped to your mouth.
Because we have an on-site dental lab, we can handle much of the fabrication and fine-tuning ourselves. At your fitting visit, we check that the guard sits securely, feels comfortable, and lines up properly with your bite. We'll make any adjustments before you leave, which can be especially helpful for West Hills patients who prefer to keep their trips to our office efficient.
How do I care for my mouth guard, and how can I pay for it?
Rinse your guard after each use, brush it gently, and let it dry before storing it in its case. Keep it away from heat, which can warp its shape, and bring it to your regular checkups so we can check for wear. Children's sports guards may need replacing as they grow, and any guard that cracks or feels loose should be evaluated.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and are happy to help you understand your coverage. We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help you fit care into your budget. Whether you're in West Hills or elsewhere in the area, our team is ready to help you find the right mouth guard and protect your smile for the long run.