Mandibular Advancement Device
Also written as: MAD — Mandibular Advancement Device
A removable oral appliance that repositions the mandible anteriorly to manage obstructive sleep apnoea or temporomandibular dysfunction, sometimes fabricated by orthodontists.
Full Definition
A mandibular advancement device is a custom-fitted removable appliance worn during sleep that holds the lower jaw in a protruded position to maintain airway patency. In orthodontic contexts, editors encounter this term when reviewing treatment letters, referral correspondence, and multi-disciplinary reports involving respiratory physicians or oral surgeons. The abbreviation MAD is widely accepted in clinical documentation. Editors should be alert to confusion with functional appliances, which share a similar mechanism but serve different primary goals. Correct rendering in clinical text is 'mandibular advancement device' in lowercase unless beginning a sentence.
Usage
Usage note: Expand 'MAD' on first use in patient correspondence. Do not conflate with functional appliances used for growth modification.
In Context
- "The patient was referred back to the orthodontist for fabrication of a mandibular advancement device following a polysomnography diagnosis of mild obstructive sleep apnoea." — Referral letter
- "Ensure the abbreviation MAD is expanded on first use in all patient-facing documents." — Editorial style note