Dental Bridges
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Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridges provide an aesthetically pleasing solution for filling in gaps left by missing teeth. The ceramic tooth is customized to match your natural teeth, enhancing the appearance of your smile. Maryland bridges can be a suitable choice for replacing front teeth or areas with less biting force, as they offer sufficient strength and stability for such situations.
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Benefits associated with Maryland dental bridges, including:
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Preserves Natural Teeth
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Quick and Non-Invasive
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Aesthetic Improvement
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Functional Restoration
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Process of Dental Bridge
Initial Consultation
The process begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your oral health will be evaluated, and the dentist will determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for a dental bridge. They’ll also discuss your treatment options, including the type of bridge (traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported) that would be best for your case.
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Preparation and Temporary Bridge
The teeth on either side of the missing tooth (called the anchor or support teeth) are gently shaped and filed down so crowns can fit over them. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom bridge that fits your mouth perfectly. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. While your permanent bridge is being created, a temporary bridge might be placed to protect your exposed teeth and gums.
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Bridge Fitting and Seating
Once the custom bridge is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office. The temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is checked for fit, comfort, and appearance. The dentist may make some adjustments to ensure a proper fit.​ Once satisfied with the fit, the dental bridge is bonded to the adjacent teeth using dental cement. For Maryland bridges, this usually involves bonding a metal or ceramic framework to the back of the adjacent teeth. This framework supports the pontic (replacement tooth) and holds the bridge securely in place.​
Implications of Waiting
Delaying tooth replacement can lead to several long-term issues, including:
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Shifting Teeth: Nearby teeth may drift into the empty space, causing misalignment and bite problems.
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Bone Loss: The jawbone under the missing tooth can shrink over time due to lack of stimulation, leading to changes in facial shape.
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Gum Problems: Gaps can become traps for food and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease.
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Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth can make eating certain foods and speaking clearly more difficult.
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Uneven Wear and TMJ Issues: Extra pressure on the remaining teeth can cause excessive wear or strain on your jaw joint.
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Replacing missing teeth promptly helps preserve your oral health, comfort, and appearance.
