Hi Sandra:
I did a search for tension suppression system device and from what I read it appears that this device is mainly for migraine headaches and not really for TMJ.
Tiffany
You said that you have been wearing a NTI device since 02? What's the reason for you to wear one? Can you explain to me about your experiance with it so far?
Ya, I have done research on the NTI and I know it's mainly for headaches rather than tmjd. I know it doesn't help those with joint problems, but may help those with muscle problem. The reason I am looking at this subject is I am trying to find other ways to reduce clenching other than wearing a bite plate at night. It's my understanding that this device will lower the clenching intensity. I have done alot of reading on this, so now I want to hear from other people what their experiences are with it.
My goal is to try to get rid of my splint and find something in place of it, if that is possible to do, I don't know.
My nightguard isn't an NTI, but it is quite similar to one. It only allows my front teeth to contact if I clench at night. It does help reduce clenching, but since my TMJD is structural, I still need to wear my daytime splint. I'm personally not a strong believer in the "typical" bite plates because they allow all of your teeth to contact, giving you an invitation to clench.
Your information does help! Thanks. I totally agree with you that typical bite plates may not be the answer for long term tmjd. I am worried that wearing the bite plate may evenually takes it toll on my joints, or somehow might change my bite, after wearing it every single night for the past 8 years or so. That's why I am looking at something else. You said you don't have NTI, but something like it? Would you explain to me in more detail what this looks like? How long have you been wearing it at night? Would you clarify your tmjd condition...muscle or joint problem or both, for me? Also, look closely at your front bite plate, is it just covering only the front teeth, and not the canine teeth in any way(side teeth next to front teeth)?
I would love hear from you. Thanks again!
Sandi
[This message has been edited by sandra1 (edited 05-09-2003).]
Hi again. You said that you did some reading on the NTI device as well. So, you know that I am trying to find other ways than wearing a typical splint to reduce clenching at night, for long term.
I would like to ask you, what is your understanding of this device? Do you think it's possible the device may help me reduce the clencing at night, but it probably won't help my tmjd? My thinking is, if it works for me in the clenching area, and not harm my muscle or joint problems, maybe that might be in the right direction for me. Do you know what I mean?
I would like to hear from you. Have a good evening.
I asked my son's doctor about a month or so ago about NTI's. I did some reading on them at the time. He said he wouldn't use these on his patients due to some people choking on them in their sleep. After hearing that, I really haven't researched it that much. From what I understand though, some on this board have tried these, maybe you'll get some responses on their effectiveness.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-30-2003).]
I am using my NTI for TMJ related pain, not for migraines. I had muscle pain on one side bad enough that it was difficult for me to think of much else, but not as bad as some people here have posted about. Basically, 800 mg of ibuprofen would do nothing for me though.
When I first got my NTI, I was hoping that I would be one of those overnight success stories, but it wasn't like that. I'd wake up in the morning feeling fine, but by 10 or 11, the pain was really bad. My dentist suggested that I pop it in during the day, but I couldn't stand to have it in. He decided to make me a daytime appliance which wouldn't keep my mouth open so far. It worked for a while, but now I'm at the point where it is better for me to pop in the nighttime version when I start to feel pain. No, it's not a good look, but it's better than taking drugs, and it really does help. My pain is almost always under control now.
As my muscles relaxed, my condyles moved into a more stable position. As a result my occlusion has changed. My bite is more open now. I considered orthodontics, but the orthodontist did not want to treat me without orthognathic surgery. Since my pain is controllable, I don't want to take the risk. My dentist said we can use porcelain to make my anterior teeth longer, improve function, and perhaps decrease my need for NTI use. I am thinking of going in that direction. If it doesn't help, at least I should get a really nice smile out of it
The NTI would fit snuggly on your front teeth and would snap into place. If it doesn't snap, or if you can remove it with your tongue with any amount of pressure, you need to stop wearing it and see your dentist for refitting. The NTI is FDA regulated, so if there were any cases of aspiration or choking, they would be documented. I feel safe wearing it, but it is a personal decision.
Thanks for your input. When you said that your Dr. told you that he wouldn't give to his patients the NTI device, I remember reading somewhere, that dentist won't give it to younger patients, for fear that they may choke on it Now, that's younger patients only...I think. Did your Dr. give you any more information regarding this device?
Thanks again and you have a pleasant evening.
Sandi
[This message has been edited by sandra1 (edited 05-09-2003).]
His doctor takes care of people of all ages. When I inquired about it, that's pretty much all he said. (he gave me a firm answer, too, like he was completely against them) You're raising my curiosity about this too!
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-30-2003).]
Your information is helpful to me. But, when you said that your muscles relaxed, your condyles moved into a more stable position. As a result your occlusion changed. So, you have a muscle and joint condition...what caused your tmjd?
Thank you so much again, it's something for me to look into it.
Sandi
[This message has been edited by sandra1 (edited 05-09-2003).]
I read on one of Dr. Boyd's websites that the NTI was designed for permanent teeth, but that custom devices can be made for children without permanent teeth. I'm assuming from your son's age that he has his permanent teeth, so it may be a possibility for him. If you do a web search for Dr Jim Boyd, you will find a lot of information.
I really don't worry at all about my NTI coming loose at night. In fact, when I first got it, I had trouble even getting it off with my hands. My dentist saw I was getting panicky about it. He had to remind me that he had just gotten it off, so I knew he could do it again. I have had to have it relined though, because it can become loose over time.
NTI has helped me, because I clench a lot. I still have pain, but it is more controllable.
I think the biggest factor in my TMD is that I clench at night. In addition to that, only my back teeth touch, so I put a lot of force on those joints when I clench. The NTI takes some of the forcefulness out of my clenching.
Some people that use NTI do have changes in their occlusion. It's not that the teeth move, but as the muscles become more relaxed, the jaw relationship can change. Many people can just have a little equilibration done to have their bite feel more comfortable. Since my occlusion was naturally "out of whack" to begin with, there is only so much that we can do with equilibration. If I were to stop using NTI, my jaw relationship could change to be more like it was before. I don't want to go back to all that pain though.
I'm not sure if I really answered your question. Please let me know if you need something else.
The NTI sounds like it might work for me...but I won't know until I try it. You have answer alot of questions I needed to know...but I need more.
When you first tried the NTI, you said that the next day in the morning you seemed fine, until as the day went on, you felt pain. Did you have more pain or just about the same pain as before you had the device? How long in weeks or months did you noticed that the device seemed to be working for you? You said that the device changed your occlusion... do you mean permanently or temporarily, when you wear the device? I don't really know what you mean by equilibration? Would you explain it to me?
I am sorry I am asking so many questions, but I just need alot of information about this stuff.
Thank you so much and have a good tmjd day!
Sandi
I forgot to ask you, is the device on your top or bottom teeth? And when you wear this device, do you feel your muscles relax with the device in?
[This message has been edited by sandra1 (edited 05-10-2003).]
I'll do my best to answer your questions. When I first started with my NTI, my pain did get worse during the day. If my dentist hadn't been so responsive every single time I called his office, I wouldn't have continued with it.
The first time I went to have my NTI checked, my dentist saw that there was a tiny area where I could contact the NTI with my canine. He adjusted that, and within a couple of days, I thought we were on to something. Then, it got worse again. I went for another visit, and my dentist saw that a crown I recently had placed by another dentist was causing some interference for me. He adjusted that and again I was better for awhile. Once I added the daytime device, I felt much better.
I still had several appointments where I needed some adjustments, but I haven't done it for awhile. I eventually had to replace that crown though.
What I mean by equilibration is that my dentist checks for interferences in my occlusion and selectively grinds on my teeth. I've heard horror stories about people who have ground too much away, but my dentist is very conservative with it.
I don't think that most people need as much follow up as I did, but it's really important to have a dentist who is willing to do it for you. I am so grateful for how generous my dentist has been with his time and his patience.
Technically, my occlusion has changed temporarily. If I were to stop using my NTI, my clenching muscles would probably bring my lower jaw back where it was before. When I'm not wearing my NTI, I can feel that my teeth come together differently from how they did before. I knew it could happen. It's not really a big deal for me.
I wear the NTI on my top teeth. At night it helps relax my muscles by preventing me from clenching on my back teeth. When I put it in during the day, it kind of reminds me not to clench and to make an effort to relax my muscles.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'll do my best to help.
Michelle
[This message has been edited by Michelle99 (edited 05-10-2003).]
You have explained that very well for me! Great input! I must be a nag to grill you so much about this highly favorite topic of my...the famous NTI.
I have just a weeeee bit more questions to ask of you. Have you got any patiences left for me!?
You said in your earlier messages that you had a open bite...you mean that your front teeth, top and bottom don't touch? I have a overbite which,I think, means that my side teeth don't touch but my back teeth do. Am I right about that? The reason I am asking about bites is... I am wondering if those with overbites can wear a NTI? Gosh, details, details, details! I hope I am not wearing you out!
Did you happened to ask the dentist if a NTI can be worn for a long term...like maybe for the rest of your life...if you did't go with other treatments?
You have a great dentist who takes care of your smallest concerns. That's the kind of dentist I would love to have! It's good to hear that this device is helping you.
I wish you all the best in health.
I will let you know later if I decide to get this thing, but it won't be for awhile yet.
Take care, and talk to you later.
Sandi
[This message has been edited by sandra1 (edited 05-10-2003).]
Has anyone worn a ******* device? 
