717 Newfield St. Middletown, CT 06457
NTI Night Guard and Thermoguard in Middletown, CT
Thermo-Guard Nightguards
Thermo-Guard™ is made from a special elastic acrylic resin material that sets it apart from other types of night guards. It is thinner than the usual hard/soft guard, yet strong enough for those who grind their teeth at night. When warmed by water, Thermo-Guard becomes flexible, allowing for easy insertion and enhanced comfort. As it cools to match the temperature inside the mouth, it hardens to provide optimal protection for your patients’ teeth and restorations.
PROS:
- Thermo-Guard is Self-Adjusting: Heat it under warm water and the guard will mold to the teeth
- Thermo-Guard is Less Bulky: Superior wearability and patient comfort compared to traditional hard/soft guards
- Thermo-Guard has Faster Seating Time: Better fit reduces seating time and dimensional stability means fewer, if any, adjustments
- Longer lifespan
CONS:
- Typically cost more than other options
What is the NTI Device?
The NTI appliance is a compact device created to assist individuals who suffer from migraines and tension headaches. It is suitable for individuals with healthy teeth. Due to its small size and secure attachment to the teeth using acrylic, patients are more likely to use it compared to larger, more traditional devices. There are various designs of the NTI, and sometimes two opposing devices may be necessary.
For many individuals, the muscles responsible for closing the jaw can spasm during nighttime teeth grinding, leading to pain in the head and neck area. The NTI appliance is beneficial in preventing migraines and tension headaches by reducing the intensity of clenching and grinding. Acting as a clenching suppression system, it decreases clenching forces by 70%. Regular oversight by a dental health professional is crucial to ensure the safe use of the appliance and to prevent potential complications.
Does the NTI Appliance Work?
Am I a candidate for an NTI Appliance?
At our clinic, we conduct a thorough assessment of our potential NTI patients to ensure their suitability for the device. The NTI appliance specifically targets the front teeth to prevent teeth grinding by focusing tension on the central incisors. For instance, individuals who grind their teeth will be interviewed about their sleep patterns to distinguish between regular teeth grinding and that which is associated with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. The NTI appliance also helps to dis-occlude the posterior teeth, relieving tension and reducing muscle contraction.