kikaida01
12-14-2004, 06:13 PM
Hi Everyone!
I am wondering who had success using the NTI device because I am looking into getting one in the near future. I do grind and clench my teeth from time to time and I don't want my teeth nor my jaw to get worse. My tmj is mild and I want to keep it that way. I am just nervous about trying something new that could potentially make my situation worse. I have read other postings about how their mouth splints have made their tmj worse and a few who has had success. What does everyone in here feel personally about the NTI device?
Kikaida
I am wondering who had success using the NTI device because I am looking into getting one in the near future. I do grind and clench my teeth from time to time and I don't want my teeth nor my jaw to get worse. My tmj is mild and I want to keep it that way. I am just nervous about trying something new that could potentially make my situation worse. I have read other postings about how their mouth splints have made their tmj worse and a few who has had success. What does everyone in here feel personally about the NTI device?
Kikaida
Sponsor
Michelle99
12-14-2004, 09:35 PM
Hi Everyone!
I am wondering who had success using the NTI device because I am looking into getting one in the near future. I do grind and clench my teeth from time to time and I don't want my teeth nor my jaw to get worse. My tmj is mild and I want to keep it that way. I am just nervous about trying something new that could potentially make my situation worse. I have read other postings about how their mouth splints have made their tmj worse and a few who has had success. What does everyone in here feel personally about the NTI device?
Kikaida
Hi Kikaida,
NTI has significantly reduced my pain, and I'm very happy with it.
Some things to keep in mind...
If you feel that the NTI makes your pain worse, discuss it with your dentist before giving up on it. Sometimes it takes a little adjustment to get it just right.
If you get relief, but then your symptoms return, discuss it with your dentist. Again, an adjustment can usually help.
Be prepared that the relationship between your upper and lower jaw may change. Your bite may feel different. In my case, my bite opened more. These changes occur because the muscles aren't so tense anymore, and while we may not like it, the changes are necessary for symptom resolution.
Check the NTI each night to make sure it is fitting snuggly.
The most important thing is to work with your dentist to get the best result. I had trouble with mine at first. It took a while for my dentist to work out what was happening. If I hadn't stuck with it, I would never have known how much it could help me.
If you want any specifics about my treatment, please let me know. I'd be happy to share them with you.
Best wishes.
I am wondering who had success using the NTI device because I am looking into getting one in the near future. I do grind and clench my teeth from time to time and I don't want my teeth nor my jaw to get worse. My tmj is mild and I want to keep it that way. I am just nervous about trying something new that could potentially make my situation worse. I have read other postings about how their mouth splints have made their tmj worse and a few who has had success. What does everyone in here feel personally about the NTI device?
Kikaida
Hi Kikaida,
NTI has significantly reduced my pain, and I'm very happy with it.
Some things to keep in mind...
If you feel that the NTI makes your pain worse, discuss it with your dentist before giving up on it. Sometimes it takes a little adjustment to get it just right.
If you get relief, but then your symptoms return, discuss it with your dentist. Again, an adjustment can usually help.
Be prepared that the relationship between your upper and lower jaw may change. Your bite may feel different. In my case, my bite opened more. These changes occur because the muscles aren't so tense anymore, and while we may not like it, the changes are necessary for symptom resolution.
Check the NTI each night to make sure it is fitting snuggly.
The most important thing is to work with your dentist to get the best result. I had trouble with mine at first. It took a while for my dentist to work out what was happening. If I hadn't stuck with it, I would never have known how much it could help me.
If you want any specifics about my treatment, please let me know. I'd be happy to share them with you.
Best wishes.
Mr. Cumberpatch
12-22-2004, 10:53 AM
Kikaida01,
I was feeling the same way as you do re splints after reading the stories other posted on the boards but the NTI splint is very simple and does not create any additional problems due it's design. It ofcourse must be fitted correctly.
It stops you clenching but you are still free to move your jaw anyway it so feels to move, volunatry or involuntary at night. Some splints stopped your grinding but not clenching, it's the clenching that comes first in the equation. Others stopped you clenching but also restrict sideways or forward jaw movement creating unwanted problems.
Chow
Mr. Cumberpatch
I was feeling the same way as you do re splints after reading the stories other posted on the boards but the NTI splint is very simple and does not create any additional problems due it's design. It ofcourse must be fitted correctly.
It stops you clenching but you are still free to move your jaw anyway it so feels to move, volunatry or involuntary at night. Some splints stopped your grinding but not clenching, it's the clenching that comes first in the equation. Others stopped you clenching but also restrict sideways or forward jaw movement creating unwanted problems.
Chow
Mr. Cumberpatch
westin4
12-22-2004, 11:43 AM
kikaida,
Basically it really depends on what is causing your tmj. If clenching and grinding are the culprits than the NTI is wonderul. If you have an actual mechanical problem than they can cause more of a problem due to the "open" bite they can cause. If you have a muscular problem than a thicker, soft type splint is good because it distributes the weight around your whole bite and allows the temple area to relax. It can really be a trial and error type thing too. I also wora a MORA splint to correct the openess that the NTI caused. I wish you luck in whatever you do. If it is mild right now and you feel any extra discomfort when you get a splint, no matter what type, than by all means tell your dentist.
Best wishes,
Karen
Basically it really depends on what is causing your tmj. If clenching and grinding are the culprits than the NTI is wonderul. If you have an actual mechanical problem than they can cause more of a problem due to the "open" bite they can cause. If you have a muscular problem than a thicker, soft type splint is good because it distributes the weight around your whole bite and allows the temple area to relax. It can really be a trial and error type thing too. I also wora a MORA splint to correct the openess that the NTI caused. I wish you luck in whatever you do. If it is mild right now and you feel any extra discomfort when you get a splint, no matter what type, than by all means tell your dentist.
Best wishes,
Karen
Mr. Cumberpatch
12-22-2004, 04:21 PM
Hi Angel47630,
I find it strange you say 'if you have a muscular problem then a thicker soft type splint...'
The whole purpose of the NTI is to stop you clenching which has created a muscular problem from hyperactive muscles of mastication.
These softer thicker mouth guard like splints are the ones that cause more problems than they prevent.
Chow
Mr. Cumberpatch
I find it strange you say 'if you have a muscular problem then a thicker soft type splint...'
The whole purpose of the NTI is to stop you clenching which has created a muscular problem from hyperactive muscles of mastication.
These softer thicker mouth guard like splints are the ones that cause more problems than they prevent.
Chow
Mr. Cumberpatch
kikaida01
12-22-2004, 04:52 PM
My tmj is all muscle related. I had two tomograms done within an 8 month period which was examined by a neuromuscular dentist and he said my joints looked perfectly normal. In fact he thinks its probably due to my bad habits. One was purposely cracking my jaw which I stop doing about 2 months ago. The other habits are grinding and clenching, chewing hard plastic strips off of clothes labels, chewing my finger nails, and chewing ice which I stopped. The clenching and grinding are the only two habits left which I do find it sometimes hard to break. I do know if I wear a splint I do grind and clench my teeth more. I had a hard acrylic splint made for my upper teeth, soft splint for my bottom teeth, and a semi hard rubbery plastic mouth piece which is also for my bottom teeth which seems to work the best out of all the splints. KAREN you are right it does seem to work the best. If and when I do clench on the semi hard splint it seems to distribute the pressure from clenching more evenly which is less impact on the teeth and muscles. But what I do find best is when I don't wear a splint at all and NOT to drink any caffeine beverages after dinner which seems to cause me not to grind and clench my teeth while sleeping. I did inquire about a NTI device from two different dentists and both said the NTI device would only make my bite worse. They said the NTI device could possibly create an open bite which I am not willing to take that risk. That would only be asking for more trouble in the long run which means more $$$ which I don't have. Thank you all for your advice and suggestions. Again Happy Holidays!
Kikaida01
Kikaida01
westin4
12-22-2004, 06:06 PM
Well, it is case by case. I do not have muscle problems from "clenching" Just because an NTI made me worse, it does not mean it would harm you and vice-versa...just because a thick, soft splint causes problems for somebody, for me it was the ticket!
Like I said it is trial and error.......there is no fix-all. Glad you have found help in your search for treatment.
Karen
Like I said it is trial and error.......there is no fix-all. Glad you have found help in your search for treatment.
Karen
daydreamer504
12-23-2004, 09:18 AM
The NTI helps relax the muscles and does eliminate headaches, but you do run the risk of developing an open bite from it. I clench on mine, but I don't wake up with headaches either so I don't care. Mine is designed so I can't spit it out, lol.
westin4
12-23-2004, 11:00 AM
Daydreamer,
I was thinking of that.......I remember when I was wearing one I would spit it out all the time near the end.
Of course, I spint out my full one too.......I guess it is just a reaction at night. I was always afraid I would choke on the NTI. :)
I was thinking of that.......I remember when I was wearing one I would spit it out all the time near the end.
Of course, I spint out my full one too.......I guess it is just a reaction at night. I was always afraid I would choke on the NTI. :)
daydreamer504
12-23-2004, 05:38 PM
Mine is a full mouthpiece on top, covering all of my teeth...I have to pry it out in the morning, so there's no chance of choking on it...I had the other kind...I could kick it off. Even right after it was adjusted.
Michelle99
12-23-2004, 05:45 PM
The NTI helps relax the muscles and does eliminate headaches, but you do run the risk of developing an open bite from it. I clench on mine, but I don't wake up with headaches either so I don't care. Mine is designed so I can't spit it out, lol.
I was afraid of mine coming out too. He fit it, and then I thought, oh, that's not the problem I thought it would be. I still check it every night. It has loosened a couple of times, but fortunately a short trip to the dentist takes care of that. I like problems that are easy to solve. I am easily overwhelmed by problems that aren't. :eek:
I was afraid of mine coming out too. He fit it, and then I thought, oh, that's not the problem I thought it would be. I still check it every night. It has loosened a couple of times, but fortunately a short trip to the dentist takes care of that. I like problems that are easy to solve. I am easily overwhelmed by problems that aren't. :eek: