NIGHTGUARDS

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our reviews

Itzel’s YouTube C.
Itzel’s YouTube C.
Love the lovely Asian women who helps with the appointments! And the main orthodontist is so nice always telling me my teeth were perfect and complimenting them made me feel so confident leaving the office !
Angelica O.
Angelica O.
Highly recommend! I have LOTS of anxiety about going to the dentist. Dr. Roberto and Eli (hygienist) were amazing. They made me feel comfortable.Angelica O.
Miriam S.
Miriam S.
Hola buen dia, recomiendo este dentista, me atendieron muy bien, son muy amables y muy buen servicio, oficina muy limpia
Jeff J.
Jeff J.
I would recommend this place to my family and friends, I give them 5 stars .. professional and knowledgeable.
Rita V.
Rita V.
Tamara E.
Tamara E.
I really love this office. It was quick. Clean very friendly. Thank you much.
Sharon A.
Sharon A.
Peggy M.
Peggy M.
The entire experience was great. The dental assistant or hygienist was very thorough and the dentist was just great. So much better than expected!!
maleeah A.
maleeah A.
Todo el personal fue muy amable. Pero no me gusto porque no me hicieron limpieza de mis dientes en la primera cita sólo radiografía. Lo ciento por mi comentario
Matthew Michael R.
Matthew Michael R.
Evette R.
Evette R.
Great visit! Everyone was super professional and knowledgeable.
Juliette S.
Juliette S.
Guadalupe Martinez F.
Guadalupe Martinez F.
Un excelente servicio y muy amables!!
Angelica D.
Angelica D.
Cristine D.
Cristine D.
Antonio Hernandez A.
Antonio Hernandez A.
Eri A.
Eri A.
Cory C.
Cory C.
Excellent. I was attended to right away, the work was done and I was on my way. The service and speed was better than any other dentist's office I've ever been to.
Cristine D.
Cristine D.
Aimee L.
Aimee L.
Janks J.
Janks J.
I WAS VERY SATISFIED WITH ALL ASPECTS OF MY VISIT . EVERYONE WAS SO VERY KIND , AND MY PROCEDURE WENT WELL !
Angelica D.
Angelica D.
Marie A.
Marie A.
Arminda C.
Arminda C.
Great service and very accommodating to my needs.
Mary B.
Mary B.
Dr Gustavo Assatourians And his staff are absolutely fantastic! They took care of my needs and made sure I was okay throughout the process. I absolutely recommend them to anybody and everybody!!
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NIGHTGUARDS

For those who have ever awakened with unexplained headaches or jaw discomfort, bruxism might be the culprit. According to the American Dental Association, 15% of adults grapple with bruxism, characterized by teeth clenching or grinding. This issue can manifest at any time, often exacerbated during stress or sleep. Unfortunately, it can lead to excessive tooth wear, cracking, or even fractures, along with symptoms like jaw pain, insomnia, and headaches. During an examination, our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme can promptly identify this condition and suggest the use of a nightguard.

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Dentist inserting orthodontic retainers

1. WHAT ARE NIGHTGUARDS?

A dental nightguard, also referred to as a bite guard, occlusal guard, or splint device, is a protective dental appliance placed over the teeth. It’s crucial to understand that these guards, commonly known as dental nightguards, aren’t intended to prevent teeth clenching or grinding. Rather, they serve as a cushion for the jaw muscles, providing relief and alleviating tension during clenching. This cushioning effect has a two-fold benefit: it helps prevent headaches, facial pain, and jaw discomfort while also safeguarding tooth enamel.

In addition to wearing a customized dental nightguard for teeth during sleep, your dentist may provide recommendations to reduce the frequency and severity of teeth clenching and grinding. These suggestions may include moderating caffeine and alcohol consumption, reducing or eliminating tobacco use, especially before bedtime, and engaging in relaxation techniques like taking a warm bath, practicing yoga, or listening to calming music before bedtime.

Dentist inserting orthodontic retainers

1. WHAT ARE NIGHTGUARDS?

A nightguard is also known as a bite, occlusal guard or splint device is placed over the teeth for protection. These guards are not designed to prevent people from clenching or grinding their teeth. When you clench your jaw, the dental night guard will help relieve the tension and cushion the jaw muscles.

This cushioning not only helps prevent head, face, and jaw pain but it will also protect the tooth enamel. In addition to wearing a customized nightguard at night, your dentist can also make some recommendations that can help reduce the frequency and intensity of clenching and grinding of the teeth. This may include limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, reducing or eliminating tobacco use, especially just before bedtime, and engaging in relaxing activities such as a warm bath, yoga, or listening to soft music before retiring.

dental trainer alignment

2. HOW ARE DENTAL NIGHTGUARDS MADE?

Nightguards are usually made of plastic; they are designed to be worn over the upper or lower teeth, most commonly  over the upper teeth. A model of your mouth will be needed, as these guards are custom designed for you in a dental lab. Models will be made in the office with our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, and Port Hueneme.They are made in a way that allows you to breathe easily and speak normally.

They are designed to be comfortable on the teeth. Water may be imbibed while wearing them, but you should avoid sugary foods and drinks to keep the guards clean and prevent bacteria buildup on the teeth during sleep.

woman wearing orthodontic silicone trainer

3. HOW NIGHTGUARDS WORK

The American Association of Orthodontists explains that just before reaching deep sleep, different reasons cause breathing pauses, especially our tongue or the position we adopt. They can pause or even block our breathing.. In these cases,the brain orders the jaw to act, tighten, and grind to keep the airways open and to be able to breathe. This allows us to continue breathing but prevents us from going into a deep sleep. Generally,  this is reflected in our mental and physical health.

  • A nightguard:

A nightguard  protects the teeth since the force exerted by the jaw is such that it could fracture them. However, in addition tothis protections, the most important thing is to understand and eliminate the causes that provoke  sleep disturbance.

  • A nightguard:

There are also other reasons for teeth clenching. As mentioned before, it usually occurs when we are in high-stress situations. By using nightguards and treating the cause of the stress, we will prevent damage to the teeth.

2. ¿HOW ARE NIGHTGUARDS MADE?

Nightguards are typically fabricated from plastic materials and are designed to be worn over either the upper or lower teeth, with a preference for the upper teeth. To create these custom-fitted guards, a model of your mouth is necessary, and our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will produce these models at their office.

These nightguards are engineered for your comfort, allowing for normal breathing and speech while wearing them. They are designed with a focus on teeth comfort. Although you can drink water while using them, it’s advisable to steer clear of sugary foods and beverages to maintain guard cleanliness and prevent the growth of bacteria on your teeth during sleep apnea.

dental trainer alignment
woman wearing orthodontic silicone trainer

3. HOW NIGHTGUARDS WORK

As explained by the American Association of Orthodontists, in the moments just prior to entering a deep sleep, breathing pauses can occur due to various factors, often associated with the position of the tongue or our sleeping posture. These interruptions can temporarily halt or obstruct breathing. In response, the brain instructs the jaw to tighten and grind, a protective measure to keep the airways clear for continuous respiration. While this adaptive response ensures breathing continues, it can hinder the ability to reach a deep and restorative sleep state, which may have implications for both mental and physical health.

  • A nightguard:

While a nightguard serves as a vital shield, safeguarding the teeth from potential fractures due to the substantial jaw force, it is imperative to delve into the understanding and elimination of the root causes responsible for sleep disturbances.

  • A nightguard:

Beyond stress, there are other factors contributing to teeth clenching. Employing nightguards and simultaneously tackling the root causes of stress ensures the protection of teeth from potential harm.

Sleep. Senior Woman Falling Asleep with a Glasses on and a Book on her Chest

4. THE BENEFITS OF A NIGHTGUARD

Wearing a well-fitting, custom-fitted nightguard can help protect your teeth, sleep well, and avoid headaches and jaw pain in the morning. Bruxism is, in fact, one of the principal causes of endodontics, as the wear on the tooth gets to the point where the deeper tissues are exposed. This will cause sensitivity and pain, plus it will be difficult to restore with resins as these restorations do not last.

 

Nightguards are less expensive than crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, extractions, and root canals that are sometimes necessary to repair teeth that have been worn down or damaged by clenching and grinding. Our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, and Port Hueneme may recommend that you start wearing one for a few hours while you are awake, so you can get used to the sensation before sleeping with it. If well cared for, nightguards can last up to ten years, making them a very worthwhile investment.

Sleep. Senior Woman Falling Asleep with a Glasses on and a Book on her Chest

4. THE BENEFITS OF A NIGHTGUARD

Wearing a well-fitting, custom-fitted nightguard can help protect your teeth, sleep well, and avoid headaches and jaw pain in the morning. Bruxism is, in fact, one of the principal causes of endodontics, as the wear on the tooth gets to the point where the deeper tissues are exposed. This will cause sensitivity and pain, plus it will be difficult to restore with resins as these restorations do not last.

Nightguards are a more economical choice when compared to the potentially higher costs of dental treatments like crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, extractions, and root canals, which may be required to restore teeth damaged by clenching and grinding. Our Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme dentists might recommend an incremental approach, beginning with a few hours of daytime wear to help you adjust before using them while sleeping.

With careful maintenance, nightguards can last for up to ten years, making them an extremely worthwhile and cost-effective investment:

  • Rinse:

Rinse your mouthguard with cold water or mouthwash both before and after each use, or alternatively, clean it with a gentle soap and a toothbrush.

  • Place:

When storing your mouthguard or taking it on the go, use a durable container with ventilation holes to allow air circulation and prevent damage. If your mouthguard is acrylic, it should be stored in clean, fresh water.

  • Protect:

Prevent any warping of your nightguard by safeguarding it against high temperatures, including exposure to hot water, heated surfaces, or direct sunlight.

  • Check:

Conduct occasional examinations of your mouthguard to identify wear and tear. In case you identify holes, tears, a loose fit, or discomfort, it’s a signal that a replacement may be necessary.

  • Bring:

Don’t forget to carry your mouthguard to your scheduled dental appointments for evaluation.

4. How to have an invisalign aligner?

Invisalign aligners are a completely digital system, so at the first appointment, impressions of the upper and lower teeth will be accurately taken. Alternatively, by scanning your teeth three-dimensionally using special software, advanced computer-assisted 3D technology will transform the impressions of your mouth into a series of clear, removable, custom-made retainers.

After a thorough analysis of the final position, and movement and adjustments to be made, the treatment is approved. Depending upon the approved plan, you will start receiving about 12 to 48 different aligners in total.

On the second visit, you will receive your aligners to wear one pair for approximately 2 weeks, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush and floss. For check-ups, you will need to visit us once a month or every 2 months; we will give you new retainers at each appointment.

woman using mouth guard

To care for your nightguard you should: 

  • Rinse

    your mouthguard with cold water or mouthwash before and after each use or clean it with mild soap and a toothbrush.

  • Place

    the mouthguard in a firm, perforated container for storage or transport. This allows air circulation and helps prevent damage. If the mouthguard is acrylic, store it in fresh, clean water.

  • Protect

    the nightguard from high temperatures – such as hot water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight – to prevent warping.

  • Check

    the mouthguard for general wear from time to time. If you find holes or tears or if it loosens or causes discomfort, it should be replaced.

·  Bring the mouthguard to each periodic visit to the dentist for examination.

7. Contact Us

Our specialists at Channel Island Family Dental seek to give you back a more harmonious smile and determine the best treatment for your individual case.

If you have any questions about this or other topics, contact us at Channel Island Family Dental and on our Facebook page. At Channel Island Family Dental, we will be attentive to your needs and make a timely diagnosis. In addition, our dentists will guide you to the best treatment to give you back your best smile.

5. Contact Us

Our specialists at Channel Islands Family Dental seek to restore your smile to its natural appearance and will determine the best treatment for your case.

If you have any questions about this or other topics, you contact us at Channel Islands Family Dental, as well as on our Facebook page. At Channel Islands Family Dental we will be attentive to your visit and make a timely diagnosis.  Besides, our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park and Port Hueneme will guide you to the best treatment to give you back your best smile. 

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