Do You Have Pain From Clenching Your Teeth?

If you have pain from clenching your teeth, you know how difficult it seems to be to have relief.  In the past, bite guards that covered all of your teeth had to be used and they were often considered cumbersome and caused gagging.  At Tavormina Dentistry we have been pleased to help people with clenching, bruxing, and migraine pain.

We’re fortunate to have over the past decade another alternative that works very well.  The NTI-tss Plus appliance was originally developed to prevent migraine pain.  It is a useful appliance for migraine headaches, but like the inventor of post-it notes discovered, an invention can have other uses that may even be unanticipated.  Even though the NTI-tss Plus works for migraine pain, it was discovered that this appliance eliminates tooth wear from bruxing and clenching and muscle pain associated with muscle dysfunction.  As dentists we can have a way to simply and effectively treat patients who suffer from tension and migraine headaches by reducing the intensity of jaw clenching while patients sleep.

This appliance does the job of a full-arch bite guard but only covers four of the front teeth either on the top or lower arch.  Full-coverage bite guards can increase clenching for some patients, because they create an ideal clenching surface for eye teeth and molars.  The NTI-tss Plus keeps the back teeth from touching and reduces clenching intensity by almost 70%.  Also, because the device is smaller and less bulky than traditional bite guards, patients are more likely to use it.

The NTI-tss Plus is a small, clear shell with a patented special edge that attaches to the front teeth area.  Because the NTI-tss Plus covers only the front teeth, it takes less time to make the appliance and it’s easier to seat in the mouth and requires fewer adjustments compared to a traditional bite guard.  The appliance is more comfortable than traditional bite guards and because it is less bulky, it does not trigger the gag reflex.

The appliance has flexibility and can be used as an appliance for upper or lower teeth.  Factors that influence which arch is used for an appliance include the length of the crown of the tooth, the shape of the tooth, the position of the teeth, uneven edges of teeth, and narrow arch width.  There also is an NTI-tss Plus Soft appliance which is also available when teeth are extremely crowded, slightly mobile, or especially sensitive.

For information about other dental topics visit www.TavorminaDentistry.com