Maryland Bridge Dental: A Comprehensive Guide
Do you have a missing tooth and want to see if a Maryland dental bridge could be the answer? You’re not alone. A significant number are looking for a less invasive solution to fill missing teeth without dental implants or traditional bridges. A Maryland bridge dental may be what you need.
In this post, I’m going to land the plane on what you need to know about Maryland bridges: how they work, the advantages, the process, who they’re right for on the spectrum of all-time terrible management strategies. Whether you’re thinking about doing something like this, or merely curious, I’ll provide my experiences and insights here so you can make your own informed decision.
What Is a Maryland Bridge Dental?
A Maryland bridge dental is a kind of dental bridge utilized to replace one or more missing teeth. Unlike a traditional dental bridge — which involves the placement of crowns on the adjacent teeth for support — a Maryland bridge is anchored using a framework made of either metal or porcelain that is bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth. This less invasive procedure removes the need to drill down the adjacent teeth.
The first time I heard about Maryland bridges, I couldn’t believe the process was so simple — and less invasive than other ways to replace a missing tooth. It is made in metal or porcelain and is a long lasting material, which makes the bridge stable.
How Maryland Bridges Work Dental Maryland
Dental Maryland bridge is a fairly simple process. The bridge is formed by three sections:
- The replacement tooth (called a pontic) that replaces the missing tooth
- The metal or porcelain structure that anchors the pontic in place
- The bonding of the framework is to the neighboring teeth
The process starts with the dentist examining the space where the bridge will be located. Unlike regular bridges, there’s no requirement for shaping up adjacent teeth, so less discomfort and traditional crowns aren’t needed. Once the framework is formed, it’s like a sturdy bond to the back of the adjacent teeth, and then the pontic is fastened to fill in the open space. The end result is a natural appearing and seamless solution to lost dentition.
From personal experience, I was so surprised at how fast the procedure was and how minimal pain I had. It seemed almost like a permanent fix, without the months of healing time required for dental implants.
Benefits of Maryland Bridge Dental
So, why would you want a Maryland bridge dental? From my own experience and feedback from others, the following are some of the best benefits that you can get:
Minimal Tooth Preparation
Because there’s no requirement to reshape nearby teeth, the process is far less invasive than traditional dental bridges or implants. I discovered that as procedures go, it wasn’t very uncomfortable, and recovery was a piece of cake.
Faster Procedure
Unlike dental implants, which take several appointments to complete and several months to heal, a Maryland bridge dental can be completed in only a couple of office visits. For a person like me who didn’t want to wait long for a new tooth, that was a huge plus.
Natural Appearance
Maryland bridges are made of porcelain, and they are a perfect match with the look and feel of natural teeth. My bridge is cohesive with all the rest of my smile and nobody has noticed it. It’s sleek, efficient and easy on the eyes.
Cost-Effective Solution
Maryland bridge dental is generally less expensive than dental implants, but dental implants can be very expensive. Cost savings were one of the reasons I chose this for my own dental needs.
Durability
Maryland bridges typically last several years with proper maintenance. They are very durable (I still have mine and I have used it for years without any issues). It undergoes regular check-ups and maintenance to keep it in great condition.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate for Maryland Bridge Dental?
Assessing Whether Maryland Bridge Dental is Right for You Not everyone makes a suitable candidate for Maryland bridge dental. Here are some things to consider when determining whether the treatment is right for you:
Healthy Adjacent Teeth
For a Maryland bridge to be effective, the adjacent teeth should always be in good condition and strong. I had excellent adjacent teeth, so it really was a perfect fit. If the adjacent teeth are already compromised, another solution, such as a dental implant or traditional bridge, may be suggested.
Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene is important for the success of any Maryland bridge. Because the bridge is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, you must regularly brush and floss to avoid plaque buildup that could shorten the life of the bridge. I floss regularly between and around my bridge and it has survived nicely (note: I tend to take care of my teeth).
Not Suitable for Large Gaps
If there is a big gap (created by the absence of the tooth) then a Maryland bridge dental might not be the best. In such scenarios, you may need a more comprehensive method such as a dental implant for better stability.
The Process of Getting a Maryland Bridge Dental
Getting a Maryland bridge dental can be quite simple and fast. So what will happen during the treatment?
Step 1: Consultation
On your first visit, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, examine the condition of your adjacent teeth and discuss your options. If you’re anything like me, and looking for a less-invasive option, your dentist will go over if a Maryland bridge is a good option for you.
Step 2: Impressions and Formation
Once your treatment plan is finalized, the dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create a custom bridge. The impressions guarantee the bridge comes to rest properly and looks natural. This part of the process was very efficient and so I remember feeling in good spirit about it.
Step 3: Fitting and Bonding
The dentist will then bond the framework to the back of the adjacent teeth on your next visit. Once fit and comfort have been checked, the pontic (false tooth) will be cemented into place. For me the fitting was a quick process and I left the office with a new tooth, ready to use.
Maryland Bridge Dental vs. Traditional Bridge: Which One Is Ideal?
To determine if you should get a Maryland bridge dental or a traditional dental bridge is to pay for their pros and cons. Here’s how they compare:
Tooth Preparation
Maryland Bridge: Does not require reshaping of the adjacent teeth.
The Traditional Bridge: Includes filing down the nearby teeth to fit crowns.
Cost
Maryland bridge: Usually less expensive than a traditional bridge.
Traditional Bridge: Crowns and other necessary materials make it more expensive.
Durability
Maryland Bridge: 10+ years when maintained correctly.
Traditional Bridge: May extend your life, but needs invasive procedure.
Procedure Time
Maryland Bridge: Done in two visits, usually.
Classic Bridge: Will encourage several trips and time.
I believe that if you need a fast, successful, and minimally invasive treatment, a dental Maryland bridge is a wonderful alternative. But for cold storage and wider bridges, you may want a classic bridge.
Caring for Your Maryland Bridge Dental
After having your Maryland bridge dental put in, you need to care for it correctly so it lasts as long as it can. A few tips I’ve found helpful are:
- Clean it regularly: Like with natural teeth, your Maryland bridge should be cleaned from time to time to avoid plaque deposits.
- Floss with a water flosser: If you think it’s difficult to floss around the bridge, then water flossers can help you to keep oral hygiene.
- See your dentist regularly: Regular check-ups help keep your bridge in good shape and identify problems as they arise.
Final Thoughts on Maryland Bridge Dental
A Maryland bridge dental is a very good option for someone who is looking for a durable solution to replace missing teeth that is not so invasive like surgery. It’s very economical, minimally invasive and it can offer a natural, long-term solution. If you’re thinking of going this route, I suggest checking in with your dentist to see if it’s a good fit for your needs.
It was the ideal solution for a gap I had in my smile, and it has restored my confidence in being able to smile openly again.