The first step for this, and any other treatment, is diagnosis.  Dr Hair will ask a series of questions to determine what treatment is appropriate for the patient.

For the migraine / headache patient we can help, the treatment is to stop the parafunction of maximum clenching.  When the back teeth are not allowed to touch, the clenching intensity is reduced by 70%.  An incisal discluding appliance, fabricated properly, that eliminates back tooth contact and minimizes strain on the jaw joint is fabricated.

Recently published neurologic migraine research has shown that a specific oral appliance protocol which governs jaw clenching intensity during sleep, called the NTI, is as effective or better than any FDA approved medication for migraine prevention. This specific type of medical appliance and protocol are required to treat these conditions. It’s not the plastic, it’s the knowledge of the dentist and his ability to diagnose your problem and customize the appliances for you according to the protocol that helps you get better.

Dr. Joe Hair has studied and trained with the developer of this protocol for several years and is eager to help his patients with migraine and headache pain.

An emergency appliance can be fabricated that day.  It is adjusted and fine tuned over the next 4-6 months.  Once the patient is stabilized, a custom, lab-fabricated appliance can be made.