It has been a while since we have discussed what the NTI is and how it works, I think it is about time for a refresher on the subject. 

The NTI is a small, clear nightguard that only covers your four front teeth. Due to its small size, it is comfortable to wear while you sleep. The NTI-tss Plus™ is custom fabricated to be worn on either your upper or lower teeth and is made of safe, non-toxic thermoplastic that does not contain Bisphenol A.

TMJ disorder, or temporomadibular joint disorder is a common diagnosis for many patients across the country.  This disorder can be a bite imbalance  involving the jaw joint as well as the associated muscles and teeth.  

In a recent article published in Wrightsville Beach Magazine, Dr. Michael Kuzma, D.D.S, of Kuzma Advanced Dentistry says, "The bite imbalances can be likened to having a pebble in your shoe. If you continue to walk with that imbalance, the muscles and joints of your knee, hip and back would soon be affected. This is also what is happening when you have imbalances in your bite; signs and symptoms will soon be present." 

There are a number of ideas about the cause of migraine headaches ranging from theories involving a genetic component to dietary triggers and weather changes. While the burgeoning field of migraine research continues to shed light on the numerous contributing factors, one point is clear: Migraine is a result of a hypersensitized trigeminal nerve.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "A hypersensitized WHAT?!?!" A hypersensitized trigeminal nerve. It's a nerve in your brain that has two divisions. The first is a motor division that controls the muscles of mastication. These are the muscles involved in chewing, namely the temporalis, masseters, and lateral pterygoids. The second division is a sensory division. Think of it as a sensory map of your head and face. Following me so far?
Picture the trigeminal nerve as a bucket. Throughout the day, your bucket is filled with negative input. This can be in the form of physical pain, mental stress or other negative input. The bucket fills throughout the day and when you sleep, the bucket should drain. Draining the bucket overnight allows you to wake up without pain.