What is a Maryland bridge for teeth?

A Maryland bridge is also known as a resin-bonded fixed partial denture. Like a traditional bridge, it includes a floating tooth to replace the missing one, but it adheres to the adjacent teeth in a unique way.

Which is better Maryland bridge or fixed bridge?

The Maryland bridge is a more conservative alternative than the traditional fixed bridge because it does not require reshaping and the placement of crowns on the adjacent teeth. Instead, the metal wings fit behind the abutment teeth.

What is the average cost of a Maryland bridge?

Maryland bridges typically cost $1,500 – $2,500 for one pontic with the framework, or wings, attached to the abutment teeth. An implant-supported bridge could cost $5,000 – $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants spanning three or four teeth.

What is the difference between a Maryland bridge and a regular bridge?

Popularized by the University of Maryland, the Maryland bridge is used for patients who need one or more front teeth replaced. Maryland bridges are much more uncommon than the traditional dental bridge and are only available to individuals who have strong neighboring teeth and excellent oral hygiene.

What is an advantage of a Maryland bridge?

A Maryland Bridge offers multiple advantages, such as minimal tooth preparation, involving removal of less than half the amount of coronal tooth structure by weight compared to complete coverage crowns. An esthetically satisfactory result can be achieved at an affordable cost while minimizing the chair side time.

Maryland bridge: The preferred procedure if only single teeth are missing

Can you chew with a Maryland bridge?

Dental bridges and other restorations are not susceptible to tooth decay like the natural teeth. However, sugary treats can still be a concern. Even though bacteria cannot damage the dental bridge, it can damage the teeth adjacent to the bridge.

How many teeth can be in a Maryland bridge?

Having more than two teeth attached to a Maryland bridge isn't recommended. A Maryland bridge typically has a porcelain tooth baked onto a metal framework.

Is a Maryland bridge painful?

As the procedure does not require the significant removal of your tooth enamel, you should not experience any pain after the bridge is attached. However, as with many dental procedures, you might notice some mild sensitivity in the immediate aftermath of the appointment.

How long does a Maryland bridge last?

According to a study published in the Australian Dental Journal, resin-bonded bridges like Maryland bridges can last 12 to 21 years in the front teeth with a 95.1% probability of success. While it can be very successful, the Maryland bridge is not perfect.

How is a Maryland bridge held in place?

Maryland bridges aren't held in place by crowns. Instead, the metal or porcelain framework that holds your pontics in place is bonded with resin to the back of your natural teeth on either side of your missing teeth.

Can a Maryland bridge replace two teeth?

They are considerably less invasive than dental implants and can be completed in just a couple of visits to your dental office. Even if you are missing more than one tooth, they can be made with multiple fake teeth spanning between two healthy teeth.

Can a Maryland bridge be attached to a crown?

Technically, you can place a Maryland Bridge on a porcelain crown, but it is complicated. I will be honest and tell you I don't understand why that is the “temporary” replacement your dentist recommended. I don't consider anything temporary which requires you to alter tooth structure.

Is a bridge better than an implant?

If you're missing more than one consecutive tooth, a dental bridge is likely a better option than an implant. A separate implant needs to be surgically attached to your jawbone for each missing tooth, leading to expensive and often impractical surgery.

Can you have a Maryland bridge on back teeth?

Dental Bridges for Molars

Patients who have consecutively missing back teeth will most likely require a traditional dental bridge. Molars exert significant force, and they are responsible for most of the chewing function. Therefore, cantilever and Maryland bridges are typically not recommended for the posterior areas.

How long does it take to make a Maryland bridge?

A Maryland bonded dental bridge usually takes two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, molds are taken of the area in order to make the false teeth (pontics) in the bridge. During the second visit, usually about one week later, the Maryland bonded bridge is put into place.

Can a Maryland bridge be removed?

Maryland bonded bridges, however, require minimal alteration to the enamel of adjacent teeth. If ever you want to remove the bridge, a dentist can do so without causing long-term damage.

Can a Maryland bridge break?

A Maryland bridge can fall off prematurely due to poor design or faulty bonding technique—or both. Your dentist can return the bridge to the laboratory to etch it again, replace the wings, or both.

Why is it called a Maryland bridge?

Despite its name, the Maryland bridge was invented by Atlanta dentist Dr. Stewart R. Halbauer. However, it was made popular by dentists at the University of Maryland and thus came to be known as the Maryland bridge.

What are the disadvantages of a dental bridge?

Does food get under a dental bridge?

Dental Bridges

Since there's a space underneath the prosthetic tooth, it's easy for food to get trapped under or around a bridge. It's important to get regular checkups to make sure your dental bridge is fitting well. To dislodge food debris, it's helpful to carry interdental brushes and/or floss threaders with you.

Can you chew gum with a dental bridge?

Your Mouth: If you have bridges and crowns or any other type of permanent orthodontics in your mouth, it may be a good idea to skip the gum. Constant chewing can be hard on these fixtures and loosen them, creating tiny spaces for decay to build up.

Which is better fixed bridge or dentures?

The benefits of a fixed bridge outweigh those of removable dentures by a long shot. A fixed bridge will fully mimic natural teeth and is a lifetime solution to tooth loss. If extra care is taken when cleaning these teeth, they should expect to last between 10 and 20 years.

Can a bridge be attached to only one tooth?

A cantilever dental bridge is similar to a traditional dental bridge, but instead, is used when there is only one natural tooth on one side of the gap. This natural tooth will lose its enamel and receive a crown and hold the pontics in place.