Guide To NTI Appliances: What Are They & Should You Get One?

NTI (which stands for Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition) appliances are a lesser-known type of device to improve dental health. They are used for a variety of issues, including TMJ disorders. It's important to know exactly what they are and how they can benefit you.

The Basics of NTI Appliances

NTI appliances, which are a type of night mouth guard, are a type of device that has FDA approval. They are made of resin or acrylic. This device is used to treat several dental disorders and issues, and you can only get an NTI guard with a prescription from a dentist, such as Macon Smiles.

NTI appliances are made to fit perfectly over just the front teeth. Even though it's placed over the front teeth, it serves to prevent the back teeth from doing what you don't want them to do (such as clenching or grinding).

Your cosmetic dentist in Macon will have a consultation with you to determine if an NTI appliance would work for you.  The device is then crafted specifically for the shape of your teeth to ensure the device works in the best way possible and provides the most comfort. If your child would benefit from having an NTI guard, you'll want to visit a Macon pediatric dentist who has experience with these devices.

Who Benefits from NTI Appliances

NTI devices are ideal for people who experience certain issues that affect their teeth and mouths.

You may benefit from getting an NTI guard if you have one (or more) of the following:

• Bruxism: If you clench and/or grind your teeth due to anxiety, stress, smoking, snoring, or the use of alcohol or some antidepressants, among other factors, you may be a good candidate for an NTI guard. A grinding/clenching habit can wear down teeth and cause tension and pain, so it's best to treat this issue early on.
   
• Medically diagnosed migraines: Migraines cause a great deal of pain and disruption to daily life. NTI appliances have been shown to reduce teeth grinding, which can be a contributing factor to jaw soreness and fatigue that can potentially trigger migraines.
   
• TMJ disorders: NTI devices are used to treat the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. Teeth grinding causes strain on the jaw. This type of mouth guard can reduce these issues by keeping the back teeth more firmly positioned and from grinding side to side. It also helps to assess how the movements of your jaw are affecting your disorder.

Dr. Katie M. Garvin and Dr. Sheila K. Shah at Macon Smiles can prescribe an NTI appliance for any of the above issues and more at their discretion. If you think an NTI device may be right for you, contact us at Macon Smiles. We serve the North Macon, GA area when it comes to NTI appliances and much more. If you need a Macon pediatric dentist to determine if your child could benefit from an NTI guard, we'd be happy to set up an appointment.