A Maryland Bridge is a type of dental bridge used to replace a missing front tooth (sometimes back teeth too, but less common). Unlike traditional bridges that require cutting down the neighboring teeth, a Maryland bridge is bonded to the back of adjacent teeth with a metal or ceramic wing.
Benefits of a Maryland Bridge
- Minimal Tooth Cutting – Neighboring teeth are preserved because very little or no trimming is required.
- Quick Solution – Usually takes only 2 visits to complete.
- Affordable – Less expensive than implants.
- Good for Young Patients – Often used as a temporary or medium-term solution until an implant can be placed.
- Aesthetic Option – Especially useful for missing front teeth.
Pros
- Conservative: saves natural tooth structure
- Less invasive: no surgery needed
- Faster and cheaper compared to implants
- Good aesthetics if done with ceramic wings
Cons
- Not as Strong as Implants or Traditional Bridges – May come loose or break, especially on back teeth where chewing forces are high.
- Limited Lifespan – Usually lasts 5–7 years; may need replacement.
- Not Suitable for All Cases – Requires healthy, strong supporting teeth.
- Aesthetics Issue with Metal Wings – Sometimes the metal wing
Ideal Situations for a Maryland Bridge
- Missing front tooth (especially in young patients)
- As a temporary replacement until implant placement is possible
- When surrounding teeth are intact and should not be cut for a traditional bridge
Care for Maryland Bridges
- Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the bridge.
- Avoid biting very hard foods with the bridge tooth.
- Visit your dentist regularly to check bonding strength.
In summary: A Maryland bridge is a quick, conservative, and cost-effective way to replace a missing tooth, especially in the front. But it’s usually not as long-lasting or strong as an implant.