South Orange, NJ
Quick Relief From Headaches and Jaw Pain With NTI Therapy
If you frequently experience migraines, tension headaches, or wake up with sore teeth and jaw pain, nighttime teeth clenching and grinding could be the cause. Stress and tension from daily life can lead to involuntary muscle contractions while you sleep, particularly in the temporalis muscles—some of the strongest muscles in your body, located on the sides of your head and responsible for chewing.
When you clench your teeth at night, these powerful muscles exert extreme pressure on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and surrounding nerves, often leading to chronic headaches, jaw discomfort, facial pain, and even muscle soreness in the neck and back. Over time, excessive clenching can also contribute to cracked or damaged teeth.
Effective Relief from Teeth Clenching and Headaches with NTI Therapy
Traditional night guards are commonly used to protect teeth from grinding during sleep, but they don’t actually stop the clenching that causes headaches and jaw pain. This is where the NTI (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition) appliance makes a difference. Unlike standard night guards, NTI is designed to prevent the clenching action itself, reducing tension and alleviating discomfort associated with jaw pain, migraines, and muscle soreness.
The NTI appliance works by leveraging your body’s natural reflexes. When you accidentally bite down on something hard with your front teeth, your jaw instinctively opens to prevent damage. NTI takes advantage of this reflex through a small, clear acrylic bite guard worn on either the upper or lower front teeth while you sleep. If clenching begins, the NTI device activates this reflex, stopping the clenching before it can cause pain or tension.
Currently, NTI is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment for migraine prevention. By significantly reducing clenching intensity, it minimizes the root cause of pain, often bringing relief within days. Many patients notice improvement overnight, while others experience significant relief within a few weeks as their overworked jaw muscles adjust to a more relaxed state.
Fitting the NTI appliance is a quick and simple process. Unlike traditional night guards, it requires no molds or impressions. Your dentist can custom-fit the device in-office in less than 30 minutes. Once in place, the NTI snaps securely onto your teeth and stays put throughout the night, ensuring effective protection and comfort.
At The Art of Smile Dental Studio, we have helped countless patients find relief from chronic headaches, jaw pain, and muscle tension caused by clenching. With consistent NTI use, you may experience improved comfort, reduced stress, and better overall well-being—allowing you to be more productive and pain-free throughout your day.
Protect Your Teeth From Grinding With a Custom Night Guard
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects millions of people, often occurring at night without them even realizing it. While occasional grinding isn’t a major concern, chronic bruxism can lead to worn-down enamel, cracked teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Many people only become aware of their teeth grinding when their dentist notices signs of damage or when a sleeping partner hears them grinding at night.
Several factors contribute to bruxism, including stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption. People often grind their teeth more frequently during stressful periods. Children can also experience bruxism, typically outgrowing it over time, though in some cases, it may be linked to airway obstruction, signaling the need for medical evaluation.
To prevent damage and protect your smile, a custom-fitted night guard (occlusal appliance) is often the best solution. Unlike over-the-counter options, custom night guards are designed specifically for your teeth. Your dentist takes precise impressions, which are sent to a professional dental lab to create a durable, high-grade mouth guard that offers superior comfort and protection. While custom night guards require a greater investment, they provide a better fit, long-lasting durability, and optimal defense against grinding-related issues.
Most night guards are designed for the upper teeth, though lower guards may be recommended in certain cases. An effective night guard should be comfortable, resistant to wear and tear, easy to clean, and should not interfere with breathing or speech. If you’re experiencing teeth grinding symptoms, call us today to discuss your treatment options and schedule a consultation.
