Nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression system

The Nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression system (abbreviated to NTI-TSS, or NTI-tension suppression system),{{Cite journal|doi = 10.1186/1472-6831-8-22|title = The NTI-TSS device for the therapy of bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, and headache – Where do we stand? A qualitative systematic review of the literature|year = 2008|last1 = Stapelmann|first1 = Henrike|last2 = Türp|first2 = Jens C.|journal = BMC Oral Health|volume = 8|page = 22|pmid = 18662411|pmc = 2583977 | doi-access=free }} is a type of occlusal splint that is claimed to prevent headache and migraine by reducing sleep bruxism (night-time tooth clenching and grinding). Sleep bruxism is purported to lead to a hyperactivity of the trigeminal nerve, often triggering typical migraine events. The hyperactivity of trigeminal neurons during trigemino-nociceptive stimulation is a proposed cause of migraine and is correlated with imaging of migraine sufferers.Burstein, R., Noseda, R., & Borsook, D. (April 29, 2015). Migraine: Multiple Processes, Complex Pathophysiology. Journal of Neuroscience, 35(17), 6619-6629. The objective of the NTI-TSS is to relax the muscles involved in clenching and bruxing, thus supposedly diminishing the chances for migraines and tension headaches to develop through the reduction in nociceptive stimulation normally caused by parafunctional activity. It is sometimes used for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

The NTI-TSS is a small transparent plastic device which is, in its most widely used form, worn over the front four teeth, of either arch, at night, and intended to prevent contact of the canines and molars. It is normally fitted by a dentist trained in the technique, and is constructed by a dental laboratory.{{Cite web|url=https://nationaldentex.com/products/headache-therapy/nti-tss-plus|title=NTI-tss™ Plus for Migraine Therapy & Headaches from a Dental Lab|website=nationaldentex.com}}

However, in FDA trials the Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Tension Suppression System (NTI-tss) had been proven to provide a 77% reduction of migraine events in 82% of subjects tested.Practical Neurology Oct. 2005{{Cite journal |last1=Blumenfeld |first1=Andrew M. |last2=Boyd |first2=James P. |date=April 3, 2004 |title=Adjunctive treatment of chronic migraine using an oral dental device: overview and results of a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study |journal= BMC Neurology|volume=22 |issue=1 |pages=72 |doi=10.1186/s12883-022-02591-8 |issn=1471-2377 |pmc=8895632 |pmid=35246048 |doi-access=free}} Practical Neurology Oct. 2005p The origin of the pain must be determined in each individual, and each contributory factor must be addressed. Most migraine sufferers have a combination of two or more of the following: a) vascular pain (pain originating in the arteries of the scalp),{{Cite journal |author=Shevel E |year=2011 |title=The Extracranial Vascular Theory of Migraine – A Great Story Confirmed by the Facts |journal=Headache |volume=51 |issue=3 |pages=409–417 |doi=10.1111/j.1526-4610.2011.01844.x |pmid=21352215 |s2cid=6939786}} b) muscular pain (pain originating from the jaw and neck muscles),{{Cite journal |author1=Tfelt-Hansen P |author2=Lous I |author3=Olesen J. |year=1981 |title=Prevalence and significance of muscle tenderness during common migraine attacks |journal=Headache |volume=21 |issue=2 |pages=49–54 |doi=10.1111/j.1526-4610.1981.hed2102049.x |pmid=7239900 |s2cid=42206728}}{{Cite journal |vauthors=Jensen K, Bulow P, Hansen H |year=1985 |title=Experimental toothclenching in common migraine |journal=Cephalalgia |volume=5 |issue=4 |pages=245–251 |doi=10.1046/j.1468-2982.1985.0504245.x |pmid=4084979 |s2cid=23648142}}{{Cite journal |author1=Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C |author2=Cuadrado ML |author3=Arendt-Nielsen L |author4=Pareja JA. |year=2008 |title=Side-to-side differences in pressure pain thresholds and pericranial muscle tenderness in strictly unilateral migraine |journal=Eur J Neurol |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=162–8 |doi=10.1111/j.1468-1331.2007.02020.x |pmid=18093151 |s2cid=8537431}}{{Cite journal |vauthors=Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Pareja JA |year=2006 |title=Myofascial trigger points, neck mobility and forward head posture in unilateral migraine |journal=Cephalalgia |volume=26 |issue=9 |pages=1061–70 |doi=10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01162.x |pmid=16919056 |s2cid=12915013}} c) pain or abnormal sensitivity of the skin of the scalp (known as cutaneous allodynia),{{Cite journal |vauthors=Burstein R, Cutrer MF, Yarnitsky D |year=2000 |title=The development of cutaneous allodynia during a migraine attack |journal=Brain |volume=123 |pages=1703–9 |doi=10.1093/brain/123.8.1703 |pmid=10908199 |doi-access=free}} and hypersensitivity of the brain to incoming pain messages{{Cite journal |vauthors=Strassman AM, Raymond SA, Burstein R |year=1996 |title=Sensitization of meningeal sensory neurons and the origin of headaches |journal=Nature |volume=384 |issue=6609 |pages=560–4 |bibcode=1996Natur.384..560S |doi=10.1038/384560a0 |pmid=8955268 |s2cid=4323574}}

Evidence and safety

As the NTI-TSS does not cover all of the teeth, it is classed as a partial coverage occlusal splint. Partial coverage splints are recommended by some experts, but they have the potential to cause unwanted tooth movements if worn 24 hours a day 7 days a week with no tooth contact (which is never recommended),{{cite book|vauthors=Wassell R, Naru A, Steele J, Nohl F |title=Applied occlusion|year=2008|publisher=Quintessence|location=London|isbn=9781850970989|pages=73–84}} which rarely can be severe. Since the patient cannot wear the NTI-tss device while chewing food, the posterior alveolar structures receive regular stimulation every day, therefore, there is no opportunity for a functional adaptation of the occlusal scheme, that is supra-eruption of the teeth.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} Research shows{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} that alveolar bone requires at least 8 days of lack of stimulation before bone growth at the apex (supra-eruption) can initiate. Periodontal ligament that surrounds the root and holds the tooth in place - if this ligament is stimulated (exercised) it will continue holding the teeth in correct position.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

As for anterior intrusion, the lack of continuous apical force does not provide adequate opportunity to intrude an incisor. A 2010 review of scientific studies carried out to investigate the use of occlusal splints in TMD concluded the following with regards anterior bite appliances (another term for partial coverage occlusal splints that cover only the front teeth):

"Other types of appliances, including [...] anterior bite appliances, have some RCT (randomized control trial) evidence of efficacy in reducing TMD pain. However, the potential for adverse events with these appliances is higher and suggests the need for close monitoring in their use."{{cite journal |vauthors=Fricton J, Look JO, Wright E, ((Alencar FG Jr)), Chen H, Lang M, Ouyang W, Velly AM |title=Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating intraoral orthopedic appliances for temporomandibular disorders |journal=Journal of Orofacial Pain |volume=24 |issue=3 |pages=237–54 |year=2010 |pmid=20664825}}

References

Category:Dentistry