What is a Maryland Bridge?
When you have a missing tooth, your dentist will review your options to fill the gap, including a dental implant, a partial denture, and a traditional bridge. A traditional bridge literally bridges the empty space, using the adjacent teeth next to the gap to support an artificial tooth.
Each kind of dental bridge in Belvidere il has a unique design to support it, including a Maryland bridge.
What is a Maryland Bridge?
A Maryland bridge is also called a resin-bonded, fixed, partial denture. Like the traditional bridge, it has an artificial tooth to replace the missing one, but it is secured to the adjacent teeth in a unique fashion. Instead of placing crowns on the adjacent teeth for support, this device bonds to the existing teeth using a metal framework.
The Maryland bridge looks like a flying bat, with the false tooth in the middle and the two wings on each side to bond to the inside of the adjacent teeth. The Maryland bridge will not cover these adjacent teeth, so it is a more conservative option.
The materials used to create your Maryland bridge are usually a combination of metal and dental ceramic. The metal forms the strong framework and wings of the bridge, while the suspended tooth is made of ceramic to match your natural teeth.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Maryland Bridges
In some cases, a Maryland bridge can be a more viable solution. For example, if you are younger and are still growing but you need a replacement front tooth, a Maryland bridge will offer a minimally invasive solution. Your dentist can attach the bridge to the backside of your teeth with adhesive to provide a natural-looking, fixed tooth.
If you are too ill to undergo any invasive dental procedures, such as a dental implant procedure, then placing a Maryland bridge can also be a good option.
A Maryland bridge helps to preserve natural, healthy, tooth structure because it will not involve placing full crowns over any healthy teeth. Maryland bridges are usually a more economical option. According to a recent study, Maryland bridges can last 12 to 21 years in your front teeth with a 95% probability of success.
While it is highly successful, the Maryland bridge is still not perfect. Bonding metal behind a natural tooth can sometimes make the supporting teeth appear slightly darker in color. To correct this disadvantage the industry has now developed new, all-ceramic options for the wings.
How to Take Care of Your Maryland Bridge
If you and your dentist agree that a Maryland bridge is the correct treatment option for your missing tooth, it will be important to keep your bridge clean. If the adhering wings on the supporting teeth become loose, the plaque can build up under these wings and lead to cavities.
Maintain a consistent and steady oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily to minimize your risk of tooth decay. If you believe there is something wrong with your device, see your dentist to determine if your bridge needs any repair.
A Maryland bridge can be a great solution if you are missing a tooth. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to examine your options.