A Maryland Bridge, also known as a resin-bonded or Maryland-bonded bridge, is a dental bridge used to replace a missing tooth. Unlike traditional bridges that involve crowning adjacent teeth to support the replacement tooth, a Maryland bridge uses metal or ceramic wings bonded to the adjacent teeth for support. These wings are attached to a false tooth (pontic) that fills the gap left by the missing tooth.
Materials used in Maryland Bridges:
- Porcelain Bonded to Metal (PBM) Wings:
Advantages:
- Strength and Durability: The metal framework provides strength, making the bridge durable and capable of withstanding biting and chewing forces.
- Aesthetics: Porcelain can be matched to the colour of natural teeth, providing a more natural appearance.
- Longevity: PBM wings can last long with proper care and maintenance.
Disadvantages:
- Metal Visibility: In some cases, a thin metal framework might be visible at the back of the teeth, which can affect aesthetics, especially if the adjacent teeth are not metal-capped.
- Zirconium Ceramic (Zirconia) Wings:
Advantages:
- Aesthetics: Zirconia is highly translucent and can be colour-matched to natural teeth, providing excellent aesthetics.
- Biocompatibility: Zirconia is biocompatible and does not cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in the mouth.
- Strength: Zirconia is strong and durable, capable of withstanding normal biting and chewing forces.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: Zirconia is more expensive than traditional PBM bridges, making it a costly option for some individuals.
- Potential Fracture: While durable, zirconia can still fracture under extreme pressure or impact, necessitating replacement.
General Advantages of Maryland Bridges:
- Preserves Tooth Structure: Maryland bridges are minimally invasive and require less reduction of adjacent teeth compared to traditional bridges, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
- Quick Procedure: Placing a Maryland bridge is usually quicker and less complex than other bridges, requiring fewer dental visits.
General Disadvantages of Maryland Bridges:
- Not Suitable for All Cases: Maryland bridges are typically best for replacing front teeth or in areas with less biting force. They may not be suitable for replacing molars or heavily used teeth.
- Potential Dislodgment: The bridge may become dislodged if not properly maintained or if there is excessive stress on the bridge from biting or chewing.
- Longevity: Maryland bridges may not last as long as traditional bridges, and they may require replacement or repair over time.
For 30 years we have used the application of Maryland Bridges with great success.
Back to blog