Maryland Bridge

When a tooth is missing, a Maryland bridge can be a good choice for replacing it.

Like all bridges, the artificial tooth in a Maryland bridge uses the support of neighboring teeth to stay in place. But unlike traditional bridges, a Maryland bridge doesn’t require extensive reduction of supporting teeth. Instead, we lightly reduce the backs of the neighboring teeth and bond the wings of the bridge securely to this area.

The wings of a Maryland bridge are made out of metal or resin, and the artificial tooth can be made out of gold, porcelain or porcelain fused-to-metal.

Placing a Maryland bridge
A Maryland bridge is made in a dental laboratory, so it may take two or more appointments to complete your bridge. On your first visit, we numb the area to make you comfortable. We may also use a rubber dam to protect your mouth while we work.

We use the handpiece to remove any decay, and then we lightly reduce the backs of the neighboring teeth that will support the bridge. Next we’ll take impressions of your teeth. A model of your mouth is made from this impression, and then the lab uses the model to create a bridge that precisely fits your teeth and bite. In the meantime, we often place a temporary bridge.

On your next visit, we remove the temporary bridge and try in the final bridge. We check the fit and your bite. When everything is right, we bond the “wings” onto the neighboring teeth, and you’ll have your final Maryland bridge.
The benefits of a Maryland bridge
Maryland bridges have several advantages. They

  • replace teeth for biting and chewing.
  • assist in clear speech.
  • help prevent teeth from shifting.
  • require minimal tooth preparation, which means stronger teeth, less chance of sensitivity, and healthier gums.


When you need to replace a missing tooth, a Maryland bridge can be a functional, good-looking solution.

Copyright © 2014, Patterson Companies, Inc. All Rights Reserved