Maryland Bridge is a specially shaped bridge that replaces missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth. This is a simple bridge that can be manufactured quickly and easily disassembled. Is this bridge suitable for children? Let’s find out with Xdent Lab
A Maryland bridge has two parts: a denture part and a metal or porcelain strip (Maryland) attached to the body of the crown. A denture will be attached to the missing tooth; the wing strips will be glued to the back of 2 adjacent teeth to help the bonding surface.
They are mainly used for anterior teeth. However, two adjacent teeth of the missing teeth must be healthy.
2. Pros and Cons of Maryland bridge
- Pros
Less invasive: Compared with other types of bridges, the Maryland bridge does not affect the adjacent teeth much, does not need to be ground like a conventional bridge, helping to preserve natural teeth.
Quick replacement: They can be made quickly, so the patient does not need to wear temporary teeth during the treatment period like traditional bridges.
Low price: Because they are also made from porcelain, their durability remains. Besides, because of the simplicity in the manufacture, the price is less expensive.
Good choice for kids: For children whose teeth are still in the process of development. Maryland bridges are a good choice because they are easily replaced, not as complicated as traditional bridges or implants. Besides, it does not require much invasiveness, so it still protects the remaining natural teeth of the child. Finally, the process of replacement into the mouth is relatively simple, painless, and does not cause psychologically frightening for the kid.
- Cons
Maryland Bridge is not suitable for all cases. The use of this bridge depends on the location of the missing tooth and the surrounding tooth area. In addition, Maryland bridges are not suitable for teeth with deep bite and crossbite
The metal part in this type of bridge can become discolored over time, making the abutment teeth dark and unsightly
3. Which dental bridges can be replaced for Maryland Bridge?
Traditional bridge: This is a common bridge used to replace missing teeth. This bridge is applied when two-pillar teeth ( natural teeth or implant teeth) are in good condition to be ground for covering new crowns. The advantages of a traditional bridge are light, firm, evenly distributing chewing force, making chewing comfortable. However, the disadvantage of this bridge is that two adjacent teeth will be ground to be smaller to cover the crown. Therefore, it is necessary to take good care.
Cantilever bridge: This bridge only uses one adjacent tooth to support the bridge span and is only suitable for anterior crowns with little biting force. Besides, the chewing force must be calculated carefully to avoid damaging the adjacent teeth when used. The advantage is its low cost, simple, and quick manufacture
4. Common questions and answers about Maryland Bridge
Q: The cost of the Maryland Bridge?
A: They are cheaper than conventional bridges. However, the final cost also depends on the material chosen, the condition of the patient’s pillar teeth to determine the price.
Q: The Quality of Maryland Bridge?
A: They also use porcelain materials like conventional bridges. Thus, they have high durability and aesthetics. Regular visits to the dentist, prompt treatment when damaged help prolong the life of the bridge
Q: Which patient is suitable for Maryland Bridge?
A: They are not suitable for all teeth but are effectively for anterior areas of teeth, and the patient’s pillar teeth are still good. Therefore, if using a Maryland bridge in the right position, the bridge could work well as the normal teeth. In particular, the Maryland bridge is suitable for young children because it is less invasive to natural teeth. The process of replacing teeth is simple, uncomplicated, and does not cause much pain for them.
Q: Does Maryland Bridge damage other natural teeth?
A: They do not affect other teeth because there is no need to grind the two adjacent teeth like traditional bridges, helping to protect the patient’s natural teeth.
Q: How long did the Maryland Bridge last?
A: Normally, they can last for more than 5 years. For regular visits to the dentist, the bridge can last for more than 10 years.
Q: What is the difference between Maryland Bridge and a traditional bridge and cantilever bridge?
| Maryland Bridge | Cantilever Bridge | Traditional Bridge |
| – 2 wings are attached to the back of 2 pillar teeth. – The abutment teeth remain unchanged without grinding – Usually suitable for anterior areas – Cheaper cost | – Only 1 wing is attached to the back of the adjacent teeth. -The abutment teeth remain unchanged without grinding – Usually suitable for anterior areas – Need to calculate the chewing force carefully to avoid damaging the adjacent when using – Cheaper cost | – This bridge is supported by two porcelain crowns attached to two-pillar teeth. – The middle denture replaces the missing tooth – Two adjacent teeth will be ground – Suitable for all teeth areas- More costly |
Xdent team
