Signs include waking up with jaw soreness, noticing flat or chipped teeth, or hearing grinding sounds from a partner. We can often spot the signs during a dental exam.
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Are you waking up with a sore jaw, morning headaches, or sensitive teeth? These may be signs of TMJ dysfunction or nighttime grinding. At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, we provide custom-made night guards and targeted TMJ therapy to help relieve pressure, ease discomfort, and protect your teeth from long-term damage.
Using advanced digital scanning and in-house 3D printing with our SprintRay Printer, we make the process easy and efficient—so you can start feeling better sooner.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. When this joint becomes strained or irritated, it can lead to symptoms like:
TMJ issues can be caused by several factors, including bite misalignment, injury, chronic clenching, or stress. At Bella Dental, we help identify the underlying cause and provide non-invasive treatment to ease your symptoms and prevent further damage.
A night guard is a custom oral appliance worn during sleep. It fits comfortably over your teeth and acts as a barrier, absorbing the pressure from grinding or clenching. This helps protect your enamel, reduce jaw tension, and prevent damage to dental work like crowns or fillings.
Our night guards are digitally designed using a precise scan of your teeth, then 3D-printed on-site to ensure the most accurate and comfortable fit possible.
Bruxism and TMJ symptoms can happen gradually or go unnoticed until pain or damage develops. You may benefit from a custom night guard if you:
Your Bella Dental provider in Port Hueneme can detect early signs of bruxism during a routine exam and help you decide if a night guard is the right solution.
Leaving TMJ problems or nighttime clenching untreated can lead to a range of long-term issues, such as:
Early intervention with a custom-fitted night guard can prevent these complications and improve your overall quality of life.
We offer a modern, efficient approach to treatment—no messy impressions or long waits for a lab. Our in-house technology lets us produce your appliance faster and more comfortably.
Your visit begins with a discussion of your symptoms and a full exam of your bite, jaw function, and dental health. We’ll assess wear patterns, check for tenderness, and ask about headaches, clenching, or jaw sounds.
If a night guard is recommended, we’ll explain how it works and answer your questions. We’ll then take a fast, comfortable digital scan of your teeth—no goopy impressions needed.
Using your scan, we design a night guard that’s digitally tailored to your bite. It’s then printed in-house using durable materials that hold up to nightly use while remaining comfortable and easy to wear.
Because everything is done on-site, you won’t need to wait weeks for an outside lab to ship your appliance. Once it’s ready, we’ll bring you back for a fitting and make any adjustments needed to ensure a secure, natural feel.
Good care helps extend the life of your guard and keeps your mouth healthy. Follow these steps:
With regular use and proper maintenance, most night guards last several years.
A custom-made night guard offers several advantages over store-bought options. At Bella Dental, we focus on precision, comfort, and long-term results. A professionally made guard can help reduce jaw strain and morning discomfort, prevent enamel damage and tooth fractures, and preserve existing dental restorations.
Many patients also experience less facial tension and fewer headaches, along with a more restful night’s sleep. Over time, a custom guard supports better overall oral health. Our team will ensure your night guard fits securely and continues to protect your teeth with lasting comfort.
While night guards help with nighttime grinding, we also take a broader look at your overall jaw health. TMJ therapy at Bella Dental may include:
Our goal is to address not only the symptoms but also the habits or conditions contributing to your discomfort.
If you’re tired of waking up with jaw pain or worried about signs of grinding, we’re here to help. At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, our custom-fit night guards and supportive TMJ care are designed to protect your teeth and bring lasting relief.
Signs include waking up with jaw soreness, noticing flat or chipped teeth, or hearing grinding sounds from a partner. We can often spot the signs during a dental exam.
Yes. Custom guards are designed to fit your bite exactly, which makes them more effective, more comfortable, and longer lasting than one-size options.
While it doesn’t stop the habit, it prevents damage by absorbing the pressure. In many cases, it also reduces muscle tension and makes the habit less severe over time.
Possibly. If your bite changes significantly, we may need to re-scan your teeth to create a new guard that maintains proper fit and protection.
Some people experience minor changes like increased salivation or adjusting to the feeling of the guard. These symptoms usually fade within a few nights.
Night guards are thinner and designed for long-term, passive wear during sleep. Sports guards are thicker and meant to protect against impact during physical activity.
Depending on your orthodontic setup, we can sometimes create a night guard that works alongside your current appliances. We’ll evaluate your case in person.
Because we use in-house 3D printing, most night guards are ready within a few days—much faster than waiting for an outside dental lab.
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage. Our team will check your benefits and provide a detailed cost breakdown before starting.
With good care, most guards last 3 to 5 years. If you grind heavily or notice signs of wear, we can create a new one using your existing digital scan.
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!
