Custom Mouth Guards in Thousand Oaks, CA — Protect Your Teeth During Sports and Sleep
Your teeth are irreplaceable. Whether you are an athlete at risk for dental trauma or someone who grinds their teeth during sleep, a custom-fitted mouth guard from Nima Aleagha DDS provides precisely the protection you need — without the bulk and discomfort of generic over-the-counter alternatives. We fabricate custom athletic guards and night guards from detailed impressions of your teeth for a fit that is comfortable, durable, and effective. Call (805) 494-1831 to get started.
Request an AppointmentTypes of Custom Mouth Guards We Provide
At Nima Aleagha DDS, we offer two types of custom-fitted mouth guards, each designed for a specific protective purpose:
Athletic (Sports) Mouth Guards
Sports-related dental injuries are among the most common — and most preventable — dental emergencies we treat. A blow to the face during contact or collision sports can knock out, chip, or fracture teeth, cause jaw fractures, and injure the soft tissues of the mouth. The American Dental Association estimates that athletes who do not wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injury than those who do.
Custom athletic mouth guards from Nima Aleagha DDS are made from impressions of your actual teeth, creating a snug, form-fitting guard that stays securely in place during activity, allows normal breathing and speech, and provides superior shock absorption compared to boil-and-bite alternatives. They are available for adults and children and can be made in a variety of colors and team styles.
Sports where mouth guard use is strongly recommended include:
- Football, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby (contact sports with mandatory or near-mandatory guard use)
- Basketball and soccer (high frequency of incidental facial contact)
- Baseball and softball (ball and bat impact risk)
- Martial arts, boxing, and wrestling
- Cycling, skateboarding, and gymnastics (fall injury risk)
Night Guards (Occlusal Splints) for Bruxism
Bruxism — teeth grinding and clenching during sleep — places enormous forces on the teeth and jaw joints. Over time, these forces wear down enamel, cause fractures and chips, damage existing restorations, and contribute to TMJ dysfunction and chronic jaw pain.
A custom night guard from Nima Aleagha DDS is fabricated from detailed impressions of your teeth and is designed to fit over either the upper or lower arch. It cushions the teeth against grinding forces, prevents tooth-to-tooth contact, and allows the jaw muscles to relax during sleep. Unlike the bulky, uncomfortable guards available over the counter, a custom night guard is thin, precise, and comfortable enough to actually wear consistently.
Night guards are typically worn only during sleep and require no adjustment to daily activities. They are an immediate, non-invasive, and highly effective first-line treatment for bruxism.
Why Custom Beats Over-the-Counter
Generic boil-and-bite guards and pre-formed sports guards are affordable but significantly compromise on protection and wearability:
- Poor fit results in inconsistent coverage and reduced shock absorption
- Bulk and discomfort often lead patients to stop wearing them
- Imprecise occlusal (bite) contact can cause jaw discomfort
- Thin material degrades quickly under repeated impact or grinding
A custom guard made from precise impressions at Nima Aleagha DDS eliminates all of these issues — providing professional-grade protection in a comfortable, durable appliance that patients actually wear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Mouth Guards
What is the difference between an athletic mouth guard and a night guard?
An athletic mouth guard is designed to protect teeth from impact injuries during sports activities. A night guard (occlusal splint) is designed to cushion teeth and jaw joints from the forces of teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. Both are custom-fabricated from impressions of your specific teeth for the best fit and protection, but they serve completely different purposes.
How long does it take to get a custom mouth guard?
The process takes two appointments. At the first, we take impressions of your teeth. Your custom guard is then fabricated at a dental lab and typically delivered at a second appointment within one to two weeks. We check the fit and make any minor adjustments needed before you leave.
How do I care for my custom mouth guard?
Rinse your mouth guard with cool water before and after each use. Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste — it is too abrasive for the material). Keep it in its protective case when not in use and away from heat. Bring it to your dental appointments so we can check for wear and ensure the fit remains optimal.
Can I get a mouth guard if I have braces?
Yes. We can fabricate specialized athletic mouth guards that accommodate orthodontic appliances to protect both your teeth and braces from sports impact. A standard night guard is not typically compatible with active braces, so we discuss the best approach for bruxism management during orthodontic treatment on a case-by-case basis.
How long does a custom mouth guard last?
Athletic guards typically last one to three years depending on the intensity of use. Night guards for bruxism may last one to five years depending on grinding severity. We assess wear at routine dental visits and recommend replacement when protection has been significantly compromised.
My child plays sports — at what age should they get a mouth guard?
As soon as a child begins participating in contact or collision sports. There is no minimum age for custom athletic mouth guards — we can fabricate them for any patient who can comfortably wear one. For younger children in recreational leagues, a well-fitted boil-and-bite guard is a reasonable starting point, transitioning to a custom guard as the child’s dentition becomes more stable.
Will a night guard stop my teeth grinding?
A night guard does not stop the grinding behavior itself, but it protects your teeth, gums, and jaw joints from the damage grinding causes. It also reduces the muscle strain and jaw pain associated with bruxism by providing a cushioned, even surface for the teeth to contact during grinding. For many patients, wearing a night guard consistently leads to reduced soreness, fewer headaches, and significant protection of their smile over the long term.