TMJ (Temporo-mandibular joint) disorders are diseases of the joint that connect lower jaw to the skull. These TMJ problems can result from injury, aging, and poor dental behavior like frequent gum chewing, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching. Although the presence of one of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate the presence of a TMJ disorder, common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

Clicking sound in the joint during jaw movement

Limited movement of the jaw

Earaches and headaches

Pain in the joint during hard chewing

Hearing problems

Pain in the face, jaw, neck, or shoulders

Loose teeth

Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth or fillings

Clenching or grinding

Facial pain

Difficulty in swallowing

Pain and sensitivity in teeth

Crowded teeth

Receding gums

Ringing or congestion in the ears

From a medical perspective, TMJ problems are classified into three main groups of disorders: muscle disorders, joint derangement disorders, and degenerative joint disorders.

Muscle disorders describes TMJ problems located in the muscles that control the TMJ. These disorders are often called myofacial disorders and are the most common of the TMJ disorders. Joint derangement disorders are a group of TMJ problems that is caused by either: a dislocated jaw, a displaced disk, or an injured bone. Degenerative joint disorders are a group of TMJ problems that is caused by degenerative changes in the joint like arthritis that destroy the cartilage that cover the TMJ and absorbs the shocks caused by such actions as chewing. Degenerative joint disorders stem from the wear and tear of the TMJ joints.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms and are also experienced prolonged pain, it is highly recommended that you consult a doctor. Once, your doctor has confirmed the presence of a TMJ disorder, the next step is treatment. Depending on the type of disorder that you are suffering from and the extent of it, you will undergo specific treatment.

NTI-tss Appliance

NTI-tss stand for "Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Tension Suppression System". According to the manufacturer, the NTI-tss device is indicated for the prevention and treatment of bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), occlusal trauma, tension-type headaches and/or migraine.

The NTI-tss device is a small pre-fabricated anterior bite stop which covers – in its most widely used form – the two upper (or lower) central incisors. The fit along the teeth is accomplished at the chair side by filling it with a resin and subsequently adapting along the central incisors, thereby increasing the vertical dimension between the upper and lower jaw.. This "miniature anterior bite appliance" is typically worn during the night, although two variations of the bite stop are offered for daytime use.

The NTI-tss protects teeth, muscles and joints by suppresing parafunctional muscle contraction by almost 70%. Originally developed to prevent migraine pain, the NTI-tss Plus is proven to be a superior alternative to full coverage bite guards.



The NTI-tss also gives dentists a way to simply and effectively treat patients suffering from tension and migraine headaches by reducing the intensity of jaw clenching while the patient sleeps.

FDA Approved

The NTI-tss protocol is approved for the Prevention of Medically Diagnosed Migraine Pain and Jaw Disorders through the reduction of trigeminally innervated muscular activity.

More Effective

Full-coverage bite guards increase clenching activity for some patients by providing an ideal clenching surface for canines and molars. The NTI-tss discludes all posteriors and reduces clenching intensity by nearly 70%.

More Comfortable, Better Compliance

The NTI-tss is smaller, less bulky and won't trigger a gag reflex. Because it is more comfortable, patients actually wear it.

Less Chairtime, Easier to Seat

Because the NTI-tss covers only the front teeth it's easier to seat, saving you valuable chairtime.

Durable Precise Fit

NTI-tss is made from Clear 450™ thermoplastic material. The high heat, high pressure injection process guarantees a perfect fit with proven durability. NTI-tss is clinically unbreakable, provides a perfect fit with no shrinkage and won't absorb stains or odors.

Upper or Lower?

Although some doctors still prefer the maxillary NTI-tss , more experienced users continue to find additional indications for a lower appliance. Factors that influence arch choice may include clinical crown length and tooth contour (retention), tooth rotations and malposition, uneven incisal edges, and narrow arch width.