If you or your family member are being treated with orthodontics or for temporomandibular disorder (TMD), we may have suggested the use of an oral appliance as part of your treatment. Once braces come off, a retainer is usually worn to keep the new position of teeth in place. For some TMD patients, we recommend the use of a night guard to relieve symptoms. For some of our younger patients who play sports, they might even be wearing a mouth guard to protect their teeth during games. Oral appliances such as these play an important part in maintaining and protecting oral health. Here’s how you can care for them: