appliance

(ă-plī′ăns )

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1. In dentistry, a device to provide or facilitate a particular function. The functions include dentures (to replace one or more teeth), a mandibular advancement splint (to open the airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea), a mouth guard (to protect the teeth during sports), or a night guard (to protect teeth from clenching and grinding during sleep).
SEE: dental prosthesis
2. A device for influencing a specific function, e.g., a cane, crutch, or walker to assist walking, or an appliance to discourage thumb sucking.
SEE: prosthesis

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