Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
A dental-anchored oral appliance worn during sleep that holds the lower jaw in a forward position to keep the airway more open. Also called a mandibular repositioning appliance (MRA).
What Is Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)?
A mandibular advancement device (MAD), also called a mandibular repositioning appliance (MRA), is a dental-anchored oral appliance worn during sleep that holds the lower jaw in a forward position. Because the base of the tongue is attached to the lower jaw, advancing the jaw also pulls the tongue base forward, keeping the airway more open during sleep.
A MAD requires enough remaining teeth to anchor to, and because it holds the jaw in an advanced position all night, it loads the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a way a device with no dental anchorage does not. MAD devices come in two broad categories: custom-fitted devices, made from a dental impression and adjusted by a dentist over time, and boil-and-bite or over-the-counter (OTC) devices, molded by the user at home without individual fitting.
A MAD is fitted and monitored by a dentist rather than a sleep physician, and unlike CPAP it does not generate flow, pressure, or event data that a device like AirwayLab can read.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a mandibular advancement device work?
A MAD holds the lower jaw in a forward position using a dental-anchored appliance worn during sleep. Because the base of the tongue attaches to the lower jaw, advancing the jaw also pulls the tongue base forward, keeping the airway more open.
Is a mandibular advancement device the same as a mouthguard?
Not exactly. A MAD is dental-anchored and fitted to advance the jaw, whereas a generic mouthguard is not designed for jaw advancement. Custom-fitted MAD devices and boil-and-bite/OTC devices are both sometimes called mouthguards, but they are not interchangeable in design or fit.
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Medical Disclaimer
AirwayLab is not a medical device and is not FDA-cleared or CE-marked. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The analysis results should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers regarding your sleep therapy and any changes to PAP settings.