Have the NTI checked for wear. You probably have worn down some of the
plastic.

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/

Amatus

/
"LurfysMa" <> wrote in message
news:...

> About 20-25 years ago, I got one of those plastic night guards that
> fit over the upper teeth. I had had several root canals due to
> hairline fractures.
>
> About 2 years ago, a tooth literally came apart in my mouth. It had
> large fillings. I ended up losing that tooth. I consulted another
> dentist who said that the night guard is ineffective as stopping
> bruxism, and recommended an NTI, which I got. I can't I notice a lot
> of difference, but there have been no more fractured teeth.
>
> About 6 weeks ago, I developed a "catch" in my left jaw (tmj?) and an
> audible "click" when opening my mouth wider (over 80-90% open). At
> first there was no pain. Over the next week or two, the clicking
> diminished and disappeared, but a sharp, then dull, pain and soreness
> developed.
>
> I called the dentist who said it was probably not serious, but to come
> in if it got worse.
>
> After another week or two, the soreness that diminished to a slight
> soreness that I notice more in the morning and when chewing tougher
> materials (like bread crusts).
>
> It is better now, but not improving much. Because it was worse in the
> morning, I suspected the NTI -- especially because the NTI, unlike the
> night guard, has just one point of contact. I am wondering if, perhaps
> unlike most wearers, I continue to bite down at night and the NTI is
> transferring this to the TMJ because of not contact with the other
> teeth.
>
> Has this been reported by other NTI users?
>
> I have an appointment in a couple of days.
>
> --

In my own mouth,,,,,,,,,,,, just before falling asleep, I tend to play with
the DE with my opposing incisors. Back and forth,back and forth, etc.
Light pressure. Every 6-8 months, I need to polish back a tiny wear notch
in it. I am about to the point where I will need to make a new one for
myself. Plastic is now thin enough, that I can clench hard, flex the
mandible and contact a cuspid (lightly) on the plastic.

--
/

Amatus

/
"LurfysMa" <> wrote in message
news:...

> On Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:03:31 GMT, "Amatus Cremona"
> <> wrote:
>

>
> I can't see any wear. I emailed the NTI dentist and she said to check
> the DE, which I did. Perfectly smooth. Not even a scratch.
>
> But I'm curious why I would wear it out. I thought the NTI was
> supposed to suppress bruxism by disengaging the back teeth that have
> the chew impulse and engaging the anti-fracture mechanism in the front
> teeth. No? The thing should never wear out if it's working. Right?
>
> --