Migraine headache is one of the most debilitating pain conditions and often is related to TMJ disorders. Dental clenching is one of the most common triggers for migraine, yet most dental appliances and nightguards only protect the teeth. They do not prevent clenching. One specific appliance stops the clenching itself, and has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of migraine: This is the NTI appliance.

How does the NTI work? Maybe you have had the experience of accidentally biting on a fork. The result is a startled, involuntary opening of the mouth. This is the result of a specific “nociceptive trigeminal inhibitory” (NTI) reflex, which helps prevent us from breaking our front teeth when we accidentally bite on hard substances. The NTI appliance takes advantage of this reflex. It fits on the upper front teeth and has a narrow bar that contacts the lower front teeth whenever clenching starts. The result is that clenching is stopped before it starts, and the migraine trigger is prevented.

NTI appliances are particularly helpful for people who clench or grind their teeth at night. For dedicated clenchers, the NTI or other variations on it can be worn during the day as well. We routinely instruct clenchers in specific home exercises and techniques that help break the chain of constant dental clenching.

Ordinary tension headaches also can be triggered by clenching, and the NTI works to prevent these headaches, too. NTI appliances can also be helpful in facial pain disorders, and in other kinds of headaches such as cluster headache and rare but disabling headaches such as paroxysmal hemicrania and SUNCT.

For more information on NTI appliances, go to www.headacheprevention.com.