Mouth Guards in Woodland Hills
If you wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel tender, you may be grinding or clenching while you sleep. If you or your child plays a contact sport, you may be worried about a chipped or knocked-out tooth. A custom mouth guard is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile in both situations. At 805 Dentistry, we make guards for patients throughout Woodland Hills, and our on-site dental lab lets us handle much of the process under one roof.
A mouth guard is a removable appliance that fits over your teeth to cushion and protect them. We offer two types, and each solves a different problem. A night guard is worn while you sleep. It places a barrier between your upper and lower teeth so that grinding and clenching wear against the guard instead of your enamel. A sports guard is worn during athletic activity. It helps absorb impact from falls, collisions, or stray balls and elbows.
The two guards are built for different jobs. A night guard is typically slimmer so you can sleep comfortably, while a sports guard is designed with impact protection in mind. Many families in Woodland Hills need both, such as a parent who clenches at night and a teenager on a team. Because we see children and adults of all ages, we can care for everyone in your household during the same visits.
Night guards suit adults and older children who show signs of grinding or clenching. Common signs include flattened or chipped teeth, jaw soreness in the morning, or a partner who hears grinding at night. Our practice has a strong focus on TMJ treatment, and our orofacial pain services address jaw clicking, locking, limited movement, and jaw-related headaches. If your symptoms go beyond tooth wear, we can evaluate your jaw more fully rather than treating the guard as the only answer.
Sports guards suit anyone who plays a sport with a risk of contact or falls. That includes young athletes and adults in recreational leagues. A custom guard is shaped to your own teeth, so it can feel more secure than a generic option and make it easier to breathe and speak during play. Benefits patients often look for include:
- Protection against enamel wear from nighttime grinding
- A cushion between the teeth that may ease pressure on the jaw
- A barrier against chips, cracks, and injuries during sports
- A fit made specifically for your mouth
What happens when I get a custom mouth guard?
The process starts with an exam and a conversation about your needs. We look at your teeth, bite, and jaw, and we ask about your symptoms or your sport. If grinding seems connected to a broader jaw issue, we may recommend further evaluation. When appropriate, we can use our imaging capabilities to support that evaluation.
Next, we take records of your teeth so your guard can be made to fit precisely. Our on-site dental lab supports the fabrication process. When your guard is ready, we check how it fits and how it feels, and we make adjustments as needed. For Woodland Hills patients, this streamlined approach can mean fewer trips to coordinate between offices.
How do I care for my mouth guard?
Rinse your guard after each use and clean it gently. Let it dry, then store it in its case. Keep it away from heat, which can affect its shape, and away from pets, who may chew it. Bring it to your regular checkups so we can confirm it still fits well and look for signs of wear.
Guards can change over time, especially for children whose mouths are still growing. If your guard feels loose, cracks, or no longer sits comfortably, let us know. If a sports injury happens despite a guard, our practice offers emergency dental appointments, and our endodontic team treats traumatic dental injuries and cracked teeth.
Will insurance cover my mouth guard, and what are my payment options?
Coverage depends on your specific plan. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand what your benefits may include before treatment begins. We also welcome self-pay patients.
If you would like to spread out the cost, financing is available. We are happy to walk you through your options so you can make a comfortable decision. Families across Woodland Hills trust Dr. Dar Radfar and our team for care that covers everyone, from a child's first visit to an adult's TMJ concerns. Whether you need protection at night, on the field, or both, we will help you find the guard that fits your life.