jladams
03-27-2003, 02:40 PM
Can anyone explain to me the difference in the splints? I've heard of NTI and the occlusional? The orthodontist gave me a "one size fits all" that im supposed to wear 24-7. This is day 2 and getting used to it is difficult. It slops around in my mouth and hinders my speech, any thoughts? Do these things really work?
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goodwillstacy
03-27-2003, 03:59 PM
Jladams,
There are a lot of differen't splints. An NTI only covers about two teeth on the top or on the bottom. The theory is that at rest no teeth should be touching because if they do they put extra stress on the jaw joint. It is the only FDA approved device for migraines, so your insurance should cover it. If your teeth can't touch, you can't clench or grind. Some people have had luck with it, others haven't.
If you want to be able to help yourself, you can just make sure that your teeth are never touching. I tell myself "lips together, teeth apart" constantly.
The other types of splints cover most of your teeth or all of them. A couple people on the board have had success with repositioning splints. You might want to check back posts for an explanation on them. I have an anterior repositioning splint. It covers all of my teeth and has something hanging down so that it forces my bottom jaw forward. The theory behind this is that it keeps the disc in position to help it heal. I'm not having any success but that doesnt mean you won't. You just have to keep trying different splints until you find the right one. And when you do find the right one, you'll know supposedly, because you'll feel tons better. Give it a while, unless it is actually hurting you, in which case you need to talk to your ortho or dentist.
Have you considered going to a TMJ specialist? Where do you live? Anyway, hope you're having a good day. Sorry for the rambling, but I'm actually in a good mood today!
.stacy.
There are a lot of differen't splints. An NTI only covers about two teeth on the top or on the bottom. The theory is that at rest no teeth should be touching because if they do they put extra stress on the jaw joint. It is the only FDA approved device for migraines, so your insurance should cover it. If your teeth can't touch, you can't clench or grind. Some people have had luck with it, others haven't.
If you want to be able to help yourself, you can just make sure that your teeth are never touching. I tell myself "lips together, teeth apart" constantly.
The other types of splints cover most of your teeth or all of them. A couple people on the board have had success with repositioning splints. You might want to check back posts for an explanation on them. I have an anterior repositioning splint. It covers all of my teeth and has something hanging down so that it forces my bottom jaw forward. The theory behind this is that it keeps the disc in position to help it heal. I'm not having any success but that doesnt mean you won't. You just have to keep trying different splints until you find the right one. And when you do find the right one, you'll know supposedly, because you'll feel tons better. Give it a while, unless it is actually hurting you, in which case you need to talk to your ortho or dentist.
Have you considered going to a TMJ specialist? Where do you live? Anyway, hope you're having a good day. Sorry for the rambling, but I'm actually in a good mood today!
.stacy.
jladams
03-27-2003, 08:48 PM
Like I said, this is day 2 for wearing the splint and my jaws are achey...my ears are starting to hurt. It just so happens I picked this time to try to quit smoking so i'm not sure if its the splint or just added stress...what youre saying makes sense but i'm not sure i can afford to experiment with splints...or specialists.