In mild cases, TMJ symptoms may improve with rest and reduced stress. However, ongoing pain or grinding often requires intervention to prevent further damage.
Persistent jaw pain, tension headaches, or tooth wear may point to TMJ disorder or nighttime grinding. These issues can impact your comfort, sleep, and oral health—but they’re treatable with the right support.
At Bella Dental in Camarillo, we offer custom-made night guards and TMJ therapy to reduce pain, relieve pressure on the jaw joint, and prevent further damage to your teeth. Our SprintRay Printer allows us to design and produce your guard with precision and comfort in mind.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. This joint is responsible for the opening and closing of your mouth and supports chewing, speaking, and other daily movements. When this joint becomes strained or inflamed, it can lead to TMJ disorder—a condition marked by:
TMJ disorder is often linked to teeth grinding (bruxism), clenching, poor bite alignment, or jaw tension caused by stress. Without treatment, symptoms can worsen and may lead to permanent joint damage or tooth wear.
At Bella Dental, we identify the root of your discomfort and offer custom treatment with night guards to help reduce strain and improve jaw function.
A night guard is a custom oral appliance worn while you sleep. It fits over your upper or lower teeth and acts as a protective barrier between your jaws. Night guards absorb the pressure from grinding or clenching, preventing tooth damage and reducing tension in the jaw muscles.
Unlike over-the-counter options, our night guards are precisely crafted using digital scans and 3D printing technology. This ensures a comfortable, secure fit that stays in place and offers consistent relief throughout the night.
Night guards are typically recommended when signs of bruxism or TMJ stress are present. You may benefit from a custom night guard if you:
Many patients aren’t aware they grind or clench until their dentist spots the signs. During your exam at Bella Dental, we’ll check for early indicators and discuss whether a night guard would help.
Without treatment, bruxism and TMJ dysfunction can lead to a range of issues over time. These may include:
A custom night guard helps stop this damage before it progresses. Early treatment also reduces the need for complex restorative work later.
Our approach focuses on comfort, efficiency, and long-term relief. Thanks to our in-office technology, we’re able to create night guards quickly and accurately—often without waiting for an outside lab.
At your first appointment, we’ll ask about your symptoms and perform a full exam of your bite, jaw joints, and teeth. Digital scans may be used to assess your alignment and identify wear patterns. If clenching or grinding is contributing to your symptoms, we’ll recommend a night guard as part of your treatment.
We’ll explain the entire process and take a digital impression of your mouth using a handheld scanner. This ensures a clean, mess-free experience without traditional molds.
Once we have your digital scan, your custom guard will be designed and 3D-printed using durable, biocompatible material. This approach allows for:
When your guard is ready, we’ll fit it and check for comfort, making small adjustments as needed. You’ll leave with clear instructions on how to wear and care for your appliance.
Proper cleaning and storage help extend the life of your guard and keep your mouth healthy.
With daily care and regular monitoring, your night guard can last several years.
Custom-made night guards offer advantages that over-the-counter options simply can’t match. The key benefits include:
Night guards are a simple, non-invasive way to protect your teeth and improve your daily comfort—especially when stress or nighttime habits are causing damage.
If you’re waking up with jaw pain, struggling with daily headaches, or think you may be grinding your teeth, a custom night guard could be the solution. At Bella Dental in Camarillo, we make it easy to get the protection you need with quick digital scans and in-office production.

In mild cases, TMJ symptoms may improve with rest and reduced stress. However, ongoing pain or grinding often requires intervention to prevent further damage.
Most patients adjust within a few nights. A custom fit helps reduce bulk and discomfort, making it easier to wear consistently.
A night guard helps reduce pressure and protect the joint, but other treatments—like stress management or orthodontics—may also be needed depending on the cause.
Yes. Constant clenching can strain the jaw joint and lead to similar symptoms, including headaches, worn teeth, and facial pain.
With good care, yes. But your jaw and bite may change over time, so we recommend regular checkups to ensure the fit is still effective.
Night guards are primarily for grinding or TMJ relief. If snoring or sleep apnea is a concern, a different type of oral appliance may be needed.
Not if it’s custom-made. A poorly fitted or generic guard may cause shifting, but our custom guards are designed to preserve your alignment.
Yes. We offer guards made from different materials depending on your grinding severity, comfort preferences, and durability needs.
Severe grinders may eventually wear through their guard. If this happens, we can easily re-scan and replace it using your digital file.
Some dental plans cover custom night guards. Our team will check your benefits and provide clear cost information before you begin.
Call Bella Dental at (805) 394-3000 for more information on booking an appointment, or fill out the form below and we will reach out to you!