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TMD, bruxism, chronic tension headaches, migraine ...
Have you ever wondered what these
symptoms have in common? all of which
make your patient's life miserable
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They all have their origin in chronic
para-functional hyper-activity of the
masticatory musculature. The NTI-tss
reduces this hyper-activity by
exploiting the nociceptive trigeminal
inhibition (NTI) reflex.
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What exactly is the NTI-reflex ?
The NTI-reflex takes effect, when the
nociceptive sensors register excessive
pressure on the lower incisors. They
then trigger the inhibition of the
elevating muscles.
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The basic principle behind the
NTI-tss
The NTI-system consists of a
prefabricated acrylic matrix, which is
custom-fit over the patients' upper
incisors using a thermoplastic
material to obtain a "snap" fit.
It's most distinguishing characteristic
is the "discluding element" which
creates an exclusive contact between
the incisors and thus efficiently
triggers the NTI reflex.
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What exactly is the nociceptive
trigeminal inhibition reflex ?
The direct stimulation of the
periodontal ligament (PDL) of the
lower incisors activates a feedback
loop, which significantly limits the
contraction intensity of the trigeminus
muscle (adversely, anesthesia of the
same PDL of the lower incisors will
enable an increase in the contraction
of the temporalis muscle).
Try it yourself :
Take a pencil and place it between your
molars or canines. With your hands feel
the temporalis muscle bulge in the
temple area.
Then transfer the pencil between your
incisors and palpate the temporalis at
the same spot on your temples again :
do you feel the difference ?
Studies show that the possible
contraction intensity of the temporalis
muscle when only the incisors occlude
is reduced by an average of 70% !

During sleep the contraction
intensity of the temporalis
muscle increases
In a study by Clark GT, et. al, (Journal of
Orofacial Pain, Fall 1997) tension-type
headache patients without signs or
symptoms of TMD clenched their jaws
during sleep, on average, 14 times
more intensely than asymptomatic
controls !
Moreover it has been shown, that temporalis
contraction is twice as intense
during sleep than in waking patients.
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Source : Lous /Olesen 1982 - "Evaluation of pericranial
tenderness and oral function in patients with common
migraine, muscle contraction headache and
combination headache".
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Dr. Boyd, Founder of NTI-tss
Dr. Boyd founded the Headache Prevention Institute in Bloomfield
Hills, Michigan in 1995, and through 1999 exclusively treated patients
suffering from chronic tension-type headache, migraine, and jaw
disorders. Dr. Boyd is currently Director of Research and Senior
Clinical Instructor at the White Memorial Medical Center Craniofacial/
TMD clinic in Los Angeles. Dr. Boyd also practices in Solana Beach,
California, and lectures throughout the U.S. and internationally.
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Dr. Helen M C Harrison
BDS MFGDP - Cambridge
"Anterior occlusal splints are an integral part of routine dental care at Granta
Dental. They enable an interactive, therapeutic approach to care that
inspires trust and confidence in our patients. Splints are a cost effective way
to demonstrate the wider benefits of a healthy, functional dentition and
increase the predictability of restorative treatments."
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Dr. Andre Hedger
BDS. LDS. RCS. (Eng) FHS. Private GDP and Secretary of the British Society for the Study of
Cranio- Mandibular Disorders. (BSSCMD).
This treatment can reduce neck ache, head aches, clenching and premature
dentition wear. It is not a cure for TMD but significantly reduces symptoms and
is definitely one step better than a normal bite guard as it reduces muscle
clenching. There is no better method on the market to switch off chronic
bruxing. Dentists that treat TMD sufferers with conventional bite guards can
now offer a far better service with the NTI range of splints. The treatment is
instant, simple to use, only takes one short appointment and as NTI's are pre-made it requires no lab work.
This treatment increases patient loyalty because you've provided something for them that's improved their
lifestyle by reducing or eliminating some of their chronic symptoms. The market is huge and unexploited."
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Indications for the NTI-tss
All cases requiring a disconnection
of the occlusion and/or the relaxation
of the masticatory musculature such as
- the prevention of symptoms associated
with bruxism
- the treatment of certain types of TMD
- the prevention of occlusal trauma, e.g.
protection of restorations and implants
in cases of severe bruxism
- the prevention and treatment of
chronic tension type headache and
migraine pain
Advantages of the NTI-tss
- Excellent clinical results
- Extremely simple and fast chair side
procedure: fabrication in 20 minutes;
no delays or lab fees
- Excellent patient acceptance and
compliance
- High diagnostic value
- Scientifically proven efficacy
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