Mouth Guards in Agoura Hills
A cracked molar from nighttime grinding or a chipped front tooth from a stray elbow on the basketball court can turn an ordinary week into an urgent dental visit. A well-fitted mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to help prevent that kind of damage. At 805 Dentistry, we make mouth guards for patients of all ages, including many families and athletes who travel from Agoura Hills to our Thousand Oaks office. Our team, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, offers two types: night guards for clenching and grinding, and sports guards for active play. Both can protect your teeth and your peace of mind.
A mouth guard is a removable appliance that fits over your teeth and creates a cushioned barrier between them and whatever is putting them at risk. During sleep, that risk usually comes from your own jaw. Many people clench or grind without realizing it, and the pressure can wear down enamel, strain the jaw joints, and leave you with morning headaches or sore facial muscles. A night guard absorbs that force so your teeth are not grinding directly against each other.
On the field, the risk comes from outside. A sports guard is built to cushion impact from falls, collisions, balls, and equipment. It helps shield your teeth, lips, and cheeks during practices and games. Agoura Hills households often juggle school teams, weekend leagues, and adult recreation, so we regularly fit guards for children, teens, and parents in the same family.
The main difference is when you wear the guard and what it protects against. A night guard is designed for hours of steady wear while you sleep. It needs to feel comfortable enough that you will actually keep it in, and it focuses on managing repeated grinding pressure. A sports guard is worn for shorter periods of intense activity, and it is built to absorb sudden, forceful impact.
Who each one suits also differs. Night guards are often a good fit for adults who notice worn or flattened teeth, jaw tension, or a partner hearing them grind at night. Sports guards suit anyone in contact or fast-moving activities, from young athletes to adults who still play. Some patients benefit from both, and we are happy to talk through which makes sense for your routine.
How do I know if I need a mouth guard?
If you grind your teeth, have jaw discomfort, or play sports, a mouth guard is worth discussing with us. Signs of nighttime grinding can be subtle. They include tooth sensitivity, small chips, a tired jaw when you wake up, or headaches you can't otherwise explain. During a dental exam, we look for wear patterns and other clues that you may not notice yourself.
Grinding and jaw pain often overlap with larger concerns, and our practice places a strong focus on TMJ treatment and sleep apnea treatment. Our team also evaluates jaw clicking, locking, limited movement, and jaw-related headaches. If your symptoms point to something more than routine grinding, we can look at the bigger picture rather than only handing you an appliance. For Agoura Hills patients, that means one office can follow your care from a simple guard to more involved jaw evaluation if you need it.
What happens when I get a mouth guard made?
The process starts with a conversation and an exam, and it stays straightforward from there. Here is what you can generally expect:
- Consultation: We talk about your symptoms, activities, and goals, and we check your teeth, gums, and bite.
- Impressions: We capture the shape of your teeth so your guard fits your mouth specifically.
- Fabrication: Your guard is made to match those measurements, and our office includes an on-site dental lab.
- Fitting: You try on the guard, and we check comfort, fit, and bite before you take it home.
Fit matters for both types. A night guard that feels bulky may end up on the nightstand instead of in your mouth. A loose sports guard can shift during play. We take time at the fitting so your guard feels secure and wearable.
How do I care for my mouth guard, and how do I pay for it?
Rinse your guard after each use, brush it gently, and store it in a ventilated case away from heat. Hot water, car dashboards, and direct sun can warp the material. Keep it away from pets, too. Bring your guard to your regular checkups so we can look for wear, cracks, or changes in fit, especially for growing children whose mouths keep changing.
Paying for a guard should be simple. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients as well. Financing is also available if you would like to spread out the cost. Our team can review your coverage and options before you begin. When you are ready, Agoura Hills patients can call our Thousand Oaks office to schedule a visit and find out which mouth guard is right for you.