What is a Maryland Bridge?
A Maryland Bridge is special type of dental bridge that allows you to replace missing tooth while reducing the changes that need to be made to remaining teeth in your mouth. Here, a thin metal or porcelain structure is used to hold a new tooth, which is then attached to the backs of your real teeth. This method seeks to conserve as much of your natural tooth matter as possible, rendering it an ideal option for people desiring a balance between function and appearance.
During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your general oral health in order to determine if a Maryland Bridge is a fitting solution for your missing tooth. The evaluation includes a thorough examination of each of the surrounding teeth along with the adjacent gum tissue, as well as some X-rays. This stage is important since the bridge's success hinges entirely on the teeth's condition and strength as anchors. The conservative nature of the Maryland Bridge means that, unlike with more customary bridges, extensive reshaping of adjacent teeth to place dental crowns over them is generally not necessary. Rather, the structure is fixed squarely to the rear sides of each of the adjoining teeth, thereby giving a firm and steady base.
A major benefit of a Maryland Bridge is its minimal invasiveness. Since just the rear of the nearby teeth gets used for the bonding, you keep more natural tooth enamel than with common bridges needing major tooth reduction. This kind of preservation is important when you are very concerned about carefully maintaining long-term health of your teeth. Once a tooth has had its enamel removed and a dental crown placed over it, the tooth will need a crown going forward. Additionally, that procedure is frequently less time-consuming and could involve fewer dental appointments, which could make it into a more convenient option for those with busier schedules.
Visually, the Maryland Bridge is created for nearly seamless integration with your teeth. The new tooth is custom created to match your teeth in size, shape, and color, so the tooth replacement looks natural when you smile or speak. The metallic or porcelain framework that supports the pontic, or artificial tooth, is created quite precisely. In the past metal framework was occasionally visible at the back of the adjacent teeth, multiple improvements in dental materials have allowed for much more discreet options, including porcelain or resin variants that offer a far more subtle appearance.
Your dentist certainly will talk about the process in depth with you, describing both its advantages and possible restrictions. Although a Maryland Bridge functions to restore both function and looks, it suits certain situations best. It works best when the missing tooth is not subjected to such excessive stress. This commonly occurs in the front regions of the mouth. The stability of the bond can frequently vary depending upon the biting forces. These forces are exerted during usual daily activities, like chewing. Consequently, your dentist might suggest this option mainly for individual tooth replacements or in situations in which customary bridges may be considered to be excessively intrusive.
If you have more questions about dental bridges or how they could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if dental bridges can help you.