What is a Maryland Bridge?

There are many reasons someone might have a missing tooth: possibly an accident, tooth decay, congenital issues, gum disease, etc. Not only can it feel like a cosmetic problem, but it also affects how you speak, eat, smile, bite, etc. Having a missing tooth can also lead to further problems, such as periodontal disease, malocclusions (misalignment of teeth or an incorrect bite), or bone loss. To prevent those problems from becoming more severe is where a dental bridge comes in. There are four main types of tooth bridges, each of which has its own pros and cons, and is used for different reasons. They are Traditional, Cantilever, Implant-Supported, and Maryland. In this article, we will explore the Maryland dental bridge in detail.

What are the main differences between the 4 bridges?

  1. Traditional: Best for patients who are missing one or two consecutive teeth and require two healthy teeth that are adjacent to each other. Very durable. Can last between 10 and 15 years.
  2. Cantilever: Best for patients where minimal tooth structure needs to be replaced and requires one healthy, natural, adjacent tooth. Used in specialized cases.
  3. Implant-Supported: Best for patients who are missing consecutive teeth. Does not impact adjacent teeth. Longest lifespan and the highest cost.
  4. Maryland: Best for patients who are replacing one front tooth. Less durable. Lower cost.

Pros & Cons

Like many surgical operations, there are pros and cons. Dental bridges can provide a natural-looking solution for tooth loss as well as they can restore chewing abilities and speech function. With that being said, they can decay if trauma in the area persists, and can weaken the overall dental bridge. Additionally, if your natural teeth are not strong enough to support the bridge, they can fracture.

Maryland Bridge – How Does it Work & What is the Cost?

A Maryland bridge, also called a resin-bonded bridge, is a more moderate and cautious alternative to the traditional bridge. A traditional bridge crowns both adjacent teeth, whereas a Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain “wings” that are bonded to the back side of the adjacent teeth. On average, this type of bridge costs around $1,000-$1,500, depending on the patient and the case.

Best Use Cases

  1. Front teeth: This type of bridge is popular for the front teeth, where aesthetics are important, and biting is less intense than on the back teeth.
  2. Adolescents: A Maryland bridge is often used for patients who are not eligible for dental implants.
  3. Minimally invasive: When a patient does not want to shave down any adjacent teeth, this type of bridge is often used.
  4. Single replacements: This type of bridge is very common for replacing one tooth at the front of the mouth.

There are a few factors that the dentist will consider to determine what type of bridge you require. They include, but are not limited to: age, number of missing teeth, size of gap, the condition of the surrounding teeth, whether or not you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap, overall gum health, overall tooth health, and your personal preferences. Contact your dentist for more information.

Related Article: Non Implant Missing Tooth Replacement Options