NTI-tss stands for Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition — tension suppression system. It's a simple-looking device, pictured on the right below, and it does wonders for TMJ problems.
Let's explain. Nociceptors are nerves that sense when the body is harmed and send signals to the brain to help provoke a protective reaction. Trigeminal refers to the main nerve that receives signals from the face and neck. Ordinarily, nocioceptors are very useful, because they tell the brain of impending damage. But in the case of TMJ disorders, there is a malfunction or overreaction of this system. When your bite doesn't function properly, sometimes these nocioceptors will lead to spasms, headaches, or other serious pain. 
With this NTI-tss device, which is a deceptively simple-appearing yet revolutionary little acrylic mouthpiece, we can often treat bruxism, migraine headaches, or other TMJ-related problems. It is estimated that there are more than 2.25 million people throughout the world who have been fitted with one of these devices.
The NTI-tss device was developed by Dr. Jim Boyd. He and his wife, who were both migraine sufferers, were the first two patients to wear it. Now it has helped millions, and it can help you also.
TMJ dysfunction results from spasms of different muscles of the jaw. Muscles will clench and contract against one another. It often comes from an effort of the jaw to protect itself because it has been closing or occluding with the teeth in a dysfunctional position. Those spasms then lead to bruxism or serious headaches, or other problems. The NTI-tss, however, interrupts this involuntary tug of war, reducing clenching intensity by one-third, thus reducing the negative impulses transmitted by the trigeminal nerve. In addition, the device causes your muscles to relax in a stable position so that they can rest. The result? Often, bruxism related migraines are eliminated, and various types of TMJ pain are reduced or eliminated. Some patients will experience relief after only one night. Others take a few weeks of wearing the device before they find comfort.
Bruxism is a continual grinding or clenching of the teeth. It is usually unconscious. Not only does it severely damage your teeth over time by completely wearing them down or causing breakage, but it also can cause migraine headaches and other pain of the jaw. Sometimes the pain is so intense that it is disabling. Dentists have found that this NTI-tss device interrupts the reflexes that lead to bruxism and thus prevents the damage that would otherwise occur.
It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from tension headaches or migraines. Results reported by the FDA indicate that 82 percent of migraine headaches were helped by wearing the NTI-tss device, and those people experienced an average of a 77 percent reduction in attacks in the first eight weeks of wearing the device.
TMJ dysfunction goes under various names: TMD, TMJ disorder are often used. It is caused by over stimulation of the trigeminal nerve caused by a dysfunctional bite. By providing a comfortable rest position for your jaw, the NTI-tss device can relieve TMJ pain.
Each NTI-tss device is custom made to fit the patient. Everyone has a unique bite, so it will be made differently for each person. It also features a snap-in fit so that it remains secure during the night. A special modification of the device can be made for children. And, since it is FDA approved for migraine headache treatment, many insurance policies provide benefits to help cover the cost of the appliance.
If you suffer from bruxism, migraines, or TMJ pain, ask us about the NTI-tss. It may give you the relief you've been seeking.
