NTI splints or nociceptive trigeminal inhibition splint is a common treatment for facial pain that results from clenching or grinding (bruxism) and often accompanies certain temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) Studies have shown that these simple appliances can reduce muscle pain in nearly 80% of patients.
Generally, splints or appliances cover all of the upper jaw teeth and are flat to allow the patient to move their jaw freely when the teeth bite against the splint. However, the NTI splint design is small, contacts only the maxillary (upper jaw) and mandibular (lower jaw) front teeth, and places the mandible (lower jaw) in a slightly forward and open position. The functionality of this splint type is superior to the traditional maxillary splint in reducing symptoms of TMD.

Wearing a device at night called an NTI appliance can decrease the jaw and temporal muscle spasm and fatigue and often eliminates or reduces the frequency and severity of crippling headaches or migraines.

An NTI applianceis a custom-made new design bite splint that many people find easier to wear and more effective. It is approximately the size of the end of your thumb, fits over your front teeth and is worn every night when you first receive it, but after your symptoms subside, you only wear it when necessary. You should notice an improvement immediately, although the full effect may take several weeks.