Overcome Chronic Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) and Migraines with NTI Nightguards
Occasional night grinding is generally not a problem. However, if you grind and clench your teeth night after night, you must take steps to protect your smile. West University Dental Professionals, Leila Ann Suki, DDS, offers NTI nightguards in Houston, Texas, to safeguard your smile. This FDA-approved appliance is a powerful tool for patients with bruxism, migraines, or TMJ disorder (TMD).
What is an NTI nightguard?
An NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition) nightguard is a small, custom-made oral appliance worn while you sleep. Unlike traditional nightguards that cover all your teeth, the NTI fits over just the front teeth (incisors) while you sleep. Also known as the NTI-tss device, an NTI nightguard is usually made of resin or acrylic.
How does an NTI nightguard work?
An NTI device fits over the incisors, preventing them from getting into contact with the lower teeth. This relieves the tension often associated with bruxism and temporomandibular joint disorders. If you start grinding or clenching your teeth while the device is on, it will trigger the NTI reflex, which forces your jaw muscles to relax, effectively stopping grinding before it starts.
Additionally, the NTI device functions as a bite guard. The device creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other. This targeted approach helps relax the muscles and minimizes the strain that often leads to jaw pain, headaches, and tooth damage.
What are the benefits of NTI nightguards?
Are you considering an NTI nightguard? Here are the benefits you can look forward to:
- Provides immediate relief: The device creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, which reduces muscle strain. Many patients experience less jaw soreness and stiffness in the morning.
- Compact and comfortable: The NTI-tss is the smallest type of mouth guard available. Its small size makes it easy to wear and less bulky than traditional nightguards.
- It breaks the habit of bruxism: Some experts believe that consistently wearing the NTI device could work like behavior modification therapy. Interrupting the patient’s efforts to grind teeth, the device trains the muscles to relax. Over time, this could potentially break the teeth-grinding habit.
- Works for migraines: Because jaw muscles are closely linked to head and neck tension, the NTI device can help reduce headaches caused by clenching.
- Protects existing restorations: Crowns, veneers, and fillings are vulnerable to grinding forces. An NTI nightguard helps extend the life of dental restorations.
Although rare, an NTI device can alter your bite. That’s why you require a dentist’s oversight. Dr. Leila Suki will supervise the fabrication of the device and monitor your bite regularly while you use it.
NTI vs. traditional nightguards: Which one is right for you?
Traditional nightguards distribute grinding forces across the teeth, while the NTI focuses on reducing the muscle activity itself. The NTI device may offer more targeted relief, especially for patients with jaw pain or tension headaches. Dr. Suki will determine whether an NTI or a full coverage nightguard is the better option after reviewing your symptoms and bite.
Do you need an NTI nightguard in Houston, Texas?
Bruxism can ruin the smile you have worked so hard to protect. If you suspect bruxism, don’t wait for things to get worse. Call West University Dental Professionals, Leila Ann Suki, DDS at (713) 370-4033 to discover if NTI therapy is right for you.
