Maryland Bridges - How do bridges work?

When a single tooth is missing and there are teeth on both sides of the missing space, a replacement tooth called a Pontic may be placed in the missing space and attached to crowns that would be made to fit the adjacent teeth. This would be called a three unit bridge and is composed of a crown, a Pontic, or replacement tooth and another crown.  These are made as a one piece unit and are cemented on to the teeth. 

Imagine not having any legs and you have your arms around your friend’s shoulders for support – one friend on your right and one on your left. This is how a bridge’s Pontic is supported.  Bridges can be designed to replace multiple missing teeth using multiple support teeth.  Each bridge situation is unique to each patient and must be designed as such.

If the adjacent teeth have no existing restorations or dental problems, the downside of the treatment is that you have to crown them for the bridge to work. A more conservative approach is to fabricate a resin bonded bridge, otherwise known as a Maryland Bridge.  If the gums are healthy and the surrounding teeth are in good condition the resin bonded bridge may be used, where instead of crowns we fasten the new tooth (pontic) by way of wings which are resin bonded to the adjacent teeth. There is very minimal tooth reduction required for this approach.

When a patient requires a dental bridge, the bridge is custom-made. This means that the bridge is barely noticeable. Bridges can restore the natural shape of the teeth as well as the proper bite on upper and lower teeth. Bridges can be made of gold alloys, porcelain, or a combination of materials.

At the Family Smile Center we take all your dental needs very seriously. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!



Back to Crowns And Bridges Home Page