Mouth Guards in Oak Park
If you've been waking up with a sore jaw, or your child is about to start a contact sport, a mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your teeth. At 805 Dentistry, we make both night guards and sports guards for Oak Park families. Our Thousand Oaks office cares for children and adults of all ages, so parents, teens, and younger athletes can all be fitted in one familiar place.
A mouth guard is a removable appliance that fits over your teeth and acts as a cushion. We offer two types, and they protect against very different problems. A night guard is worn while you sleep. It places a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which helps protect them from the wear that grinding and clenching can cause over time. A sports guard is worn during athletic activity. It helps absorb and spread out the force of a blow to the face, protecting your teeth, lips, and gums.
Here is a simple way to tell them apart: a night guard protects your teeth from yourself, while a sports guard protects them from the outside world. Some Oak Park patients need one type, and some households need both. For example, a parent who clenches at night might need a night guard, while a teenager who plays soccer or basketball needs a sports guard. We'll help you figure out which one fits your situation.
Night guards often suit adults who notice signs of grinding or clenching. These signs include morning jaw soreness, headaches when you wake up, teeth that look flattened or chipped, or a partner who hears grinding at night. Because our practice has a strong focus on TMJ treatment and orofacial pain, we look at the bigger picture. If your jaw clicks, locks, or has limited movement, we can evaluate whether a TMJ concern is involved, rather than simply handing you an appliance.
Sports guards are a good fit for children, teens, and adults who play contact or fast-moving sports, or any activity where a fall or collision could injure the mouth. Patients with braces can benefit too, since a guard helps protect both the teeth and the soft tissues around the brackets. Our team also treats cracked teeth and traumatic dental injuries, so we understand firsthand what a well-fitted guard can help prevent.
What happens when I come in for a mouth guard?
The process starts with an exam so we can understand your needs before we make anything. We'll talk about your symptoms or your sports, check your teeth and bite, and look for signs of wear or jaw strain. For patients who want a closer look at the jaw joint, our office offers 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT, and our team evaluates TMJ imaging.
Next, we record the shape of your teeth so your guard is built to fit your mouth specifically. When the guard is ready, we check the fit with you, make any needed adjustments, and show you how to put it in and take it out. Here's what to expect:
- A conversation about your symptoms, habits, or activities
- An exam of your teeth, bite, and jaw
- Records of your teeth taken for a personalized fit
- A fitting visit to confirm comfort and make adjustments
- Clear instructions for wearing and caring for your guard
How do I take care of my mouth guard?
Rinse your guard after every use, brush it gently, and let it dry completely before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, such as a hot car or direct sun, because heat can warp the material and change the fit. Never leave a sports guard loose in a gym bag where it can get crushed.
Bring your guard to your regular checkups and cleanings so we can look for cracks, thinning, or fit changes. Children's mouths change as they grow, so young athletes may need a new guard over time. If your night guard starts to feel tight or uncomfortable, let us know and we'll take a look.
Does insurance cover mouth guards, and is financing available?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team is happy to help you understand your benefits before treatment. Coverage for night guards and sports guards varies from plan to plan, so we recommend checking with us so you know what to expect.
We also welcome self-pay patients and offer financing options to help make care more manageable. Whether you need a guard for yourself, your child, or several family members, we'll walk you through your choices clearly. Oak Park families can reach out to our office anytime to schedule a visit and get started.