Why choose us
Benefits of Mouth Guards
Protect Against Grinding
Our night guards help cushion your teeth from clenching and grinding while you sleep.
Safer Game Days
Our sports guards help shield teeth, lips, and gums from impacts during practice and play.
Made for Your Smile
We fit each guard to your mouth, and our on-site dental lab supports the process.
Support for Jaw Comfort
With our strong focus on TMJ care, we can look at how grinding relates to jaw discomfort.
Options for Every Age
We see children and adults, so athletes and adults who grind can get guards in one place.
Grinding or clenching your teeth at night and taking a hit to the mouth during a game are two very different problems, but both can be eased with a properly fitted mouth guard. At 805 Dentistry, we offer two kinds: night guards, worn while you sleep, and sports guards, worn during athletic activity. Each protects your teeth in its own way. Below, we explain how each one works, who tends to benefit, and how to get the most from yours.
A night guard is a thin, smooth appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. It places a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth, so the pressure of grinding or clenching (often called bruxism) lands on the guard instead of your enamel. Many people don't know they grind at night. The first clues are often a sore jaw in the morning, dull headaches near the temples, teeth that feel sensitive, or a partner who hears grinding sounds. During an exam, we may also see flattened or chipped edges that point to nighttime wear.
A sports guard is built for impact rather than steady pressure. It is usually thicker and covers the teeth to help absorb and spread the force of a fall, a ball, or contact with another player. Sports guards make sense for anyone in contact or high-motion sports, such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey, martial arts, skateboarding, or mountain biking. Because we see children and adults of all ages, we fit guards for young athletes in their first season as well as adults in weekend leagues.
The two guards are not interchangeable. A night guard is designed to be comfortable for hours of sleep, so it is slimmer and less noticeable. That also means it isn't made to absorb a hard blow. A sports guard is bulkier on purpose, which suits a game or practice but would be uncomfortable to wear all night. If you grind your teeth and also play a contact sport, you would likely need one of each.
Fit matters for both types. A guard that is loose, too bulky, or uneven can be uncomfortable and may end up sitting in a drawer. We shape each guard around your teeth so it stays in place, feels comfortable, and lets you breathe and speak as easily as possible. For young athletes whose mouths are still growing, the fit may need to be rechecked over time.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for a mouth guard?
Most people who grind, clench, or play sports are good candidates. Our evaluation helps confirm which guard fits your needs. For night guards, we look at the wear on your teeth, your jaw comfort, and any symptoms you describe. Grinding is sometimes linked to jaw joint problems, and our practice has a strong focus on TMJ treatment. If your jaw clicks, locks, or has limited movement, or if you have jaw-related headaches or ongoing facial pain, our team can evaluate those concerns as well. A guard may be part of a larger plan.
We also focus on sleep apnea care. If you snore heavily or wake up unrested, tell us. A standard night guard protects teeth, but it is not a treatment for sleep apnea, and we will help you understand the difference. For sports guards, we consider any braces or clear aligners, past dental work, and the sport you play. If you are in orthodontic treatment, let us know before we take any steps.
How should I care for my mouth guard, and how long will it last?
Rinse your guard after each use, brush it gently, let it dry, and store it in its ventilated case. A few habits make a real difference:
- Keep it away from hot water, dashboards, and direct sun, which can warp it
- Bring it to your regular checkups so we can check the fit and condition
- Replace a sports guard if it tears, thins, or loosens
- Keep it away from pets, who are often drawn to chew it
How long a guard lasts depends on how hard you grind and how often you play. Heavy grinders and active athletes wear through guards faster. We check the fit at routine visits, so worn spots or changes are caught early. If a sports injury damages a tooth, our office offers emergency dental appointments.
Will insurance cover my mouth guard, and what if I don't have coverage?
Coverage depends on your plan. We accept all major PPO insurance plans and can help you understand your benefits before treatment. We also welcome self-pay patients and offer financing, so cost doesn't have to delay protecting your teeth.
Patients come to us in Thousand Oaks from Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Agoura Hills, and nearby communities. Whether your teeth are wearing down from nightly grinding or your child is starting a new season, Dr. Dar Radfar and our team would be glad to see you. Call us to schedule a visit, and we'll help you choose the right guard.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Talk and Exam
We check your teeth and jaw and help you choose a night guard for grinding or a sports guard for active play.
- 2
Fit Your Guard
We capture the shape of your mouth so we can make a guard that fits your teeth comfortably.
- 3
Wear and Check In
We show you how to clean your guard and check its fit during your regular visits.