NIGHTGUARDS

CALL NOW BOOK

NIGHTGUARDS

Make a Quick Appointment

CALL NOW BOOK

NIGHTGUARDS

Make a Quick Appointment

Ventura Dentist

Welcome to Channel Islands Family Dental

What are Nightguards?

For those who have ever woken up 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.

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.

HOW ARE NIGHTGUARDS MADE?

Nightguards are typically manufactured 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 cleanliness and prevent the growth of bacteria on your teeth during sleep apnea .

NIGHTGUARDS

Why Choose Us

No Insurance? No Problem

We accept All Insurance

We Accept Children

5 Locations To Choose from

Popular General Service

Opening Hours

$99 Dental Special

Get your first dental exam and X-ray for only $99!

Our Top Dental Insurances

CHANNEL ISLANDS FAMILY DENTAL

Channel Islands Family Dental Office

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 breathing. 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.

- 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.
- 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.

4 Ways To Schedule Your Appointment

Booking Form

Phone Call

Facebook Messenger

Start treatment

NIGHTGUARDS

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. Additionally, 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.

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 main 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, starting 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.