Mouth Guards in Simi Valley
A mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your teeth from damage you might not notice until it's already done. Some patients grind or clench at night without realizing it. Others take a hit during a game that could crack a tooth. At 805 Dentistry, we provide custom night guards and sports guards for children and adults, and many of our patients make the trip from Simi Valley to our Thousand Oaks office. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team will help you decide which type fits your needs and make sure it fits your mouth comfortably.
A mouth guard is a removable appliance that sits over your teeth and acts as a cushion. The two types we offer serve different purposes. A night guard is worn while you sleep to shield your teeth from grinding and clenching. A sports guard is worn during athletic activity to absorb impact and reduce the risk of chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.
Night guards are usually slimmer and designed for hours of overnight wear. Sports guards are built to handle sudden force from a ball, an elbow, or a fall. A Simi Valley student who plays a contact sport and an adult who wakes up with a sore jaw both benefit from a mouth guard, but they need different designs. We'll recommend the right one after examining your teeth and talking with you about your habits.
Night guards suit people who show signs of grinding or clenching. These signs include worn or flattened teeth, jaw soreness in the morning, or tension headaches. Because our practice has a strong focus on TMJ treatment and sleep-related care, we pay close attention to how your jaw functions, not just the condition of your teeth. We also treat jaw clicking, locking, limited movement, and jaw-related headaches, so a night guard can be part of a broader plan when that's appropriate.
Sports guards suit anyone who plays a sport with a risk of contact or falls. We see children and adults of all ages, so we can fit guards for young athletes and adults in recreational leagues. If someone in your family plays sports and also grinds at night, we can talk through both options during the same visit.
How is a custom mouth guard made?
A custom mouth guard starts with an exam and a precise record of your teeth so the guard matches your bite. During your visit, we check your teeth, gums, and jaw. We look for wear patterns or other concerns, and we ask about your symptoms or the activities you play.
Once we know which type you need, we capture the shape of your teeth to create the guard. Our office includes an on-site dental lab, which supports our restorative and appliance work. At a follow-up appointment, we check the fit, make any adjustments, and show you how to put the guard in and take it out. Here's what you can expect:
- An exam of your teeth, gums, and jaw
- A conversation about grinding, clenching, jaw discomfort, or sports activities
- A precise record of your teeth for a custom fit
- A fitting appointment with adjustments as needed
- Instructions for wear, cleaning, and storage
How do I care for my mouth guard?
Rinse your guard after every use, clean it gently, and store it dry in its case. Brushing it lightly with a soft toothbrush and cool water helps keep bacteria from building up. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material and change the fit.
Bring your guard to your regular cleanings and exams so we can check it for wear. Night guards can show signs of heavy grinding over time. Sports guards may get chewed or damaged during play. Children's mouths keep changing as they grow, so young athletes may need a new guard as their teeth develop. If a guard starts to feel loose or uncomfortable, let us know.
What if a tooth gets injured before I have a guard?
Call us right away, because we offer emergency dental appointments. Our endodontic team treats cracked teeth and traumatic dental injuries and offers same-day emergency appointments. Whether you're coming from Simi Valley or nearby, contact our office promptly after an injury.
Once the injury is treated, we can talk about a sports guard to help protect your teeth going forward. Having general, specialty, and emergency care in one practice means your family doesn't need to coordinate care across several offices.
How can I pay for a mouth guard?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we also welcome self-pay patients. Coverage for mouth guards varies by plan, so our team can help you understand what your benefits may include before treatment begins.
Financing is available for patients who want to spread out the cost. If you're in Simi Valley and ready to protect your smile, whether at night or on the field, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a visit with Dr. Radfar and our team.