A new dental device that minimizes the pain and discomfort of headaches associated with chronic clenching and grinding of the teeth may have usefulness in treating other types of head pain, according to research results presented at the 14th Annual International Symposium of the American Academy of Head, Neck and Facial Pain.
The Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition (NTI) Clenching Suppression System, invented by Dr. James P. Boyd, presented results from clinical trials testing the device in people who experience chronic headaches.
The small, semi-custom NTI appliance, which must be fitted by a trained dentist, covers the inside and outside of the two front, upper teeth in the mouth (teeth eight and nine). Once in place in a patient`s mouth, a dome will come in contact with the lower incisors, preventing the upper and lower sets of teeth from touching one another. This renders the temporalis muscle incapable of contracting to its full potential, thus eliminating bruxing and the resulting headache pain.
The non-drug device does not introduce any chemicals or substances into the patient`s system, and therefore poses no threat to the patient`s health. The device can be worn at night and during stressful times.
The NTI appliance is manufactured and marketed by Heraeus Kulzer, Inc., South Bend, Ind. For details, call (219) 291-0661 or circle the number below.
