NTI System

What does "NTI" stand for?

Nociceptive (relating to the perception of things that could be harmful); Trigeminal (the nerve that controls the major muscle of mastication; Inhibition.

NTI-tss What does clenching and/or grinding my teeth have to do with the use of an NTI device?

The high intensity contractions of your powerful jaw muscles become painful and the force generated causes pain to the majority of the surrounding tissues, joints, cartilage and other muscles. The NTI device is worn while you sleep.

Subsiding and/or reducing the symptoms that are directly related to the degree and longevity of each individual's condition will no doubt vary. However, it is not unusual for some patients to report significant relief overnight; others usually within two to four weeks. Generally speaking, by reducing the intensity and amount of the clenching, you can effectively and efficiently minimize the source of the pain - in many cases, in just a few days.

Does insurance cover the cost?

Usually dental or medical insurance plans will help pay for the service, but all plans are different. Coverage should be discussed with your dentist.

What can we do to help?

We can create a custom-made NTI oral appliance. The tiny, clear-plastic device fits over your front teeth at night and makes clenching virtually impossible. In a few days or weeks, your clenching reflex is suppressed. Morning headache pain, neck pain, sore jaw, and other related pain associated with involuntary intense clenching usually begins to resolve and disappear.

Is there a difference between the NTI and the traditional dental nightguard device or TMJ splint?

Yes. Traditional flat-plane splints and nightguard devices provide a surface for you the "bite down on." New studies show, however, that these devices can actually increase the intensity of your clenching reflex, often to over 104% of your normal bite. Some patients have actually broken their devices!

High-intensity clenching has recently been found to be the real cause of the problem. With the advent of the revolutionary NTI device, we can begin to solve the real problem: actually preventing your back teeth from clenching intensely and coming into contact with each other. Stop intense clenching, stop the source of the pain.