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Question: “Dr.
Arnold, I read online recently about a dental appliance
that helps prevent migraines. How does this work?”
Answer: A
relatively new device called the NTI is the only FDA
approved non-drug, non-surgical method of migraine prevention. It
has been shown in clinical studies to significantly decrease
the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches for
82% of migraine sufferers. It takes about twenty minutes
to make in the dental office and typically costs between
$600 and $800.
Many stress, tension, and migraine headaches are the result
of bruxism (nighttime grinding of teeth) and/or daytime
clenching. The NTI is a small device that fits over
the front teeth, is very comfortable for most patients,
and significantly decreases the intensity of muscle contraction. This
decreased muscular activity often “breaks the cycle” and
relieves the pain from sore jaw muscles, headaches, and
TMJ problems.
Approximately forty million Americans suffer from debilitating
migraine headaches, which leads to a tremendous loss of
business productivity each year. Many patients seek
out the expertise of family practitioners, internists, ophthalmologists,
neurologists, and physical therapists. They are often
successful in decreasing the severity of migraines, but
not always.
A common approach to treating migraines is the use of certain
drugs. Unfortunately, some patients experience adverse
side effects and receive little to no benefit from them. Additionally,
some of these drugs are very expensive and need to be used
long-term.
My dental team has helped dozens of migraine sufferers
decrease or eliminate the misery that they have experienced
for years with an NTI appliance. Many people would
do just about anything to prevent the misery of migraines
and improve their quality of life. Thousands of Americans
now wake up in the morning feeling fantastic thanks to this
simple, effective device.
Dr. Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Chesterton and Valparaiso. He is also a clinical mentor with the Hornbrook Group and serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics as the Fellowship Chairman. You may send questions to his office at: 1830 South 11th Street, Chesterton, IN 46304 or email them to: drarnold@SmilesByArnold.com. More information on this or many other dental topics can be found at www.SmilesByArnold.com.
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