What Is A Maryland Bridge For Teeth?
Maryland Bridges vs. Regular Bridges – A Maryland bridge is a type of permanent dental restoration that can replace a missing tooth. The concept is similar to that of a typical dental bridge, in that a prosthetic tooth is attached to teeth on either side of the gap to create a seamless smile.
However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. Regular dental bridges require our dentist to remove some of the enamel on the adjacent teeth, as the restoration is supported by a crown on either side. While this process provides a secure replacement for your tooth, it also requires the removal of healthy tooth enamel, permanently altering the otherwise intact teeth.
Maryland bridges, on the other hand, consist of a prosthetic tooth with thin metal “wings” on either side. These wings are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, eliminating the need to drill away any of the tooth’s natural enamel. The wings are attached using a composite resin that is cured under a special light, creating a durable dental bridge,
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How long does a Maryland dental bridge last?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Maryland Bridges – In some situations, a Maryland bridge can be a more viable solution compared with other bridges. For example, if an individual is still growing but needs a replacement front tooth, a Maryland bridge offers a minimally invasive solution, as a review in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry (JERD) explains.
- A dentist can simply attach the bridge to the backside of the teeth with adhesive to provide a natural-looking, fixed tooth.
- Additionally, for those who may be too ill to undergo invasive dental procedures or surgeries, such as an implant procedure, placing a Maryland bridge can be a good option.
- As a report in the Journal of Clinical Case Reports notes, anesthesia is usually not needed when placing this type of bridge.
As the JERD review explains, a Maryland bridge also helps to preserve tooth structure because it doesn’t involve placing full crowns over any teeth. Maryland bridges are also typically cheaper than alternative options, such as implants. 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.
How is Maryland bridge held in place?
Maryland or resin-bonded bridges – A Maryland bridge is referred to as a more conservative type of dental bridge because it does not require the removal of enamel from abutment teeth to make room for dental crowns. 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. A resin-bonded bridge offers the advantage of not requiring any modification to the abutment teeth, but isn’t appropriate for molars or other teeth exposed to high biting force.
Maryland bridges are most commonly used in the front of your jaw.
How do I keep my Maryland bridge clean?
How to clean around a dental bridge Dental plaque is bacteria which can accumulate under a dental bridge. Unlike natural teeth where you can floss between each teeth, you can not pass floss around where the bridge is connected together. If plaque is allowed to accumulate under a bridge, this can cause the gum to be tender and bleed more easily.
If the gums are swollen or inflamed, you may find the area bleeds initially but the more you clean under the bridge, the healthier it will get and it will bleed less.If the area is particularly uncomfortable, you could try putting some ‘Corsodyl Gel’ onto a small brush designed to clean between your teeth (such as a ‘tepe brush’) These inter-dental brushes come in different sizes and the can discuss the best size brush to use and make sure you are cleaning properly.
: How to clean around a dental bridge
What is the best type of dental bridge?
Implant-supported Dental Bridge – Instead of crowns or bonding, a dental implant can be surgically placed in the jawbone to hold the false tooth into position. For this option, you will need one surgery to insert the implant into the jawbone and a subsequent visit to our office to position the bridge.
What is the safest type of bridge?
As in most engineering projects, bridges need to be the safest they can be while still being cost effective. This is why bridge design is of the utmost importance. Truss bridges are extremely effective because they have a high strength to weight ratio.
Can a Maryland bridge replace two teeth?
Can two teeth be replaced with one Maryland bridge? I have a Maryland bridge with a fake tooth on the top of my mouth that has lasted a long time. Now my brother needs to replace two teeth right next to each other in his mouth, as well. Can he get a Maryland bridge with two fake teeth instead of just one? Thanks, Ester from Charlotte, NC Ester, If your brother’s missing teeth are on the bottom in the front where the teeth are smaller, then a Maryland bridge may work.
- 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.
- The metal wings at the end of the framework are then bonded to the backside of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
- With two teeth attached to the bridge, there are risk factors to consider: The force of two teeth on the metal framework is double what a typical Maryland bridge is designed for.
It may break more easily. Because the span is longer, when force is applied, like chewing, the bridge will be more able to bend. This puts pressure and stress on the teeth the bridge is bonded to and can damage them. Have your brother talk to a cosmetic dentist who can help him know if a Maryland bridge is right for him or if there are better options in his case.
What is the best bridge for front teeth?
4 Types of Dental Bridges Similar to traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are attached to an abutment tooth, but just on one side. When natural teeth are only present on one side of a gap, cantilever bridges are used so a bridge can still be secured.
- Like traditional bridges, your dentist will need to prepare the adjacent tooth to support the bridge by removing its enamel.
- And because cantilever bridges are only supported on one side, the notes a higher chance of like fractured teeth or loosened crowns.
- Maryland bridges, or resin-bonded bridges, are often recommended for replacing teeth at the front of the mouth.
These bridges use metal or porcelain bands to bind a pontic tooth to the backs of adjacent natural teeth. Although considered a more conservative alternative to traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require adjacent teeth to have their enamel removed, as the bridge doesn’t need to be held in place by crowns.
- The downside of this is that Maryland bridges are not as durable as traditional bridges.
- The Maryland bridge is only as strong as the binding material that holds it together, so it may not in areas like the molars where teeth experience a lot of biting force.
- Are similar to regular dental bridges, but instead of being supported by natural teeth, they are supported by dental implants.
These bridges are used when you have more than one missing tooth or when there is a higher chance you could put too much pressure on individual implants that are not connected. Here’s how they work: One dental implant is placed for every missing tooth to create a series that holds the bridge in place.
- In some cases, your dentist may include a pontic tooth suspended between two implant-supported crowns if it’s not possible to place one implant for every lost tooth.
- Since two surgeries are required for implant-supported crowns, one to set the dental implants and one to place the bridge, be prepared for the process to take several months to get your finished implant-supported bridge.
Every type of dental bridge requires a commitment to attentive oral care. Most dental bridges last, but with good oral hygiene, they could last ten years or longer. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about how to effectively clean your dental bridges and consider avoiding foods that are more likely to cause problems, like nuts, caramel and popcorn.
How often should a bridge be replaced?
When To Get Your Dental Bridge Fixed – Dental bridges are an effective treatment for missing teeth. However, it’s important to remember that they aren’t a permanent solution. Dental bridges usually last five to seven years (or even longer). But because your natural teeth are covered, signs of decay aren’t visible.
And so, sensitivity in the teeth or gums around a dental bridge could be a sign that your dental bridge needs repair. You might also notice or feel a crack in your tooth, or pieces of the porcelain may come off. If you notice chips or cracks in your dental bridge or feel pain or sensitivity when chewing or brushing, you should see your dentist right away.
Sometimes the bridge doesn’t fit well in your mouth, or the color doesn’t match your surrounding teeth. If your dental bridge is loose, you should also see your dentist. Although there are plenty of resources online to guide you in tightening your dental bridge at home, it’s essential to seek guidance from a professional for your health and safety.
