The NTI Appliances for Dentists: A Complete Guide

What is an NTI Appliance?

An NTI appliance is a small mouth guard. It fits on your front teeth. It is not big like other mouth guards. Dentists use it to help people who grind their teeth. It also helps with jaw pain and bad headaches.

The NTI is made by a dentist for each person. It is approved by the FDA. This means it is safe when a dentist makes it for you. Do not try to make one at home!

How NTI Appliances Work

The NTI works in a simple way. When you put it on your front teeth, it stops your back teeth from touching. This makes your jaw muscles relax. When these muscles relax, you feel less pain.

Studies show that the NTI can cut down jaw muscle activity by up to 80%. This is better than big mouth guards that only cut it by about 50%.

When you wear an NTI:

• Your front teeth have the guard on them
• Your back teeth can't touch
• Your jaw muscles can't clench hard
• You feel less pain in your face and head

When to Use an NTI Appliance

Dentists may give you an NTI if you have:

• Bad headaches from grinding teeth
• Jaw pain or TMJ problems
• Muscle pain in your face
• Quick help needed for jaw pain

But not all people should get an NTI. It is not good for you if:

• You have loose teeth
• Your teeth don't meet right
• You have an open bite (front teeth don't touch)

Did you know? About 39 million Americans have bad headaches called migraines. But 80% never ask a dentist for help. The NTI can help many of these people!

Good and Bad Things About NTI Appliances

Good Things:

• Small size - easier to wear than big guards
• Fast relief - helps pain quickly
• Lower cost - costs $400-$700, cheaper than other treatments
• Easy to use - most people can wear it all night

Bad Things:

• May change your bite if used too long
• Might not stay on if you have short teeth
• Need to see dentist for check-ups
• Not good for all types of jaw problems

Dental equipment like the NTI needs to be made just for you by a trained dentist.

NTI vs. Other Mouth Guards

Type	Size	What It's Good For	Problems
NTI	Very small, front teeth only	Muscle pain, headaches	May change bite if used too long
Full Guard	Covers all teeth	Joint problems, better for long-term	Bigger, harder to wear all night
Michigan Splint	Covers all top teeth	Good for many problems	More expensive, bulky

In a study with 30 people, the NTI cut clenching force by 70%. The full guards only cut it by 50%. This shows why the NTI works so well for muscle pain.

How the Dentist Fits an NTI

When you get an NTI, your dentist will:

1. Take a bite record to see how your teeth meet
2. Send this to a special lab to make your NTI
3. Have you come back to fit it just right
4. Check that it feels good on your front teeth
5. Show you how to put it in and take it out

The NTI must fit just right. That's why a dental chair and proper tools are needed to make it work well.

Taking Care of Your NTI

To keep your NTI working well:

• Clean it every day with cool water
• Brush it gently with a toothbrush
• Keep it in its case when not in use
• Bring it to all dental check-ups
• Tell your dentist if it feels loose or hurts

Your dentist needs to check your NTI every 6 months. In a study with 60 people, 18% had small changes in their bite after using an NTI. That's why check-ups are so important!

How Much Does an NTI Cost?

An NTI usually costs between $400 and $700. This price includes:

• The dental visit
• Making the NTI
• Fitting it to your teeth
• Follow-up checks

Many dental plans help pay for NTI appliances. Your dentist can use code D9944 to bill your insurance.

Using orthodontics knowledge, dentists know how teeth can move. This helps them make sure your NTI is safe.

Who Should Get an NTI?

The best people for NTI treatment are:

• People with headaches from teeth grinding
• Those who need quick relief from jaw pain
• Patients who can't wear big mouth guards
• People who will come for regular check-ups

In a study, 89% of people wore their NTI as told by their dentist. Only 63% wore bigger mouth guards. This shows that people like the small size of the NTI.

Real Results from NTI Studies

Research shows good things about NTI appliances:

• 70% fewer headaches in one study of 45 people
• 82% of people had less pain in another study
• 500+ dental labs now make NTIs around the world

But remember, all studies say you need regular check-ups with your dentist!

Questions Dentists Get About NTI

Can NTI appliances change my bite?

Yes, they can if used too long without check-ups. Your dentist will watch for this.

How long do NTI appliances last?

With good care, about 1-3 years. Then you may need a new one.

Can children use NTI appliances?

No, NTIs are only for adults with all their adult teeth.

Can I make my own NTI?

No! Only a trained dentist can make one that fits right and is safe.

Will it help my migraines?

Many people find it helps, but talk to your dentist and doctor about your headaches.

When to Use Other Treatments

Sometimes your dentist may want you to use other things with your NTI, like:

• Dental unit treatments for jaw problems
• Exercises for your jaw muscles
• Medicine for pain or muscle spasms
• Full mouth guards for some types of problems

The best plan is what works for YOU. Your dentist will help find the right mix.

Final Thoughts

The NTI appliance is a small but powerful tool for dentists. It can help many people with pain from grinding teeth. It works by keeping back teeth from touching. This makes jaw muscles relax.

NTIs are good for short-term use. They need to be checked often. They work best when made by a trained dentist.

If you have headaches or jaw pain, ask your dentist if an NTI might help you. It could be the small fix that makes a big difference!