What is a Maryland Bridge?
A Maryland bridge is a dental appliance. We’ll identify first what a dental bridge maple grove does, the four different types of dental bridges and then the Maryland bridge specific and why it is different.
The basic definition of a bridge is a structure to span a physical obstacle. We use them every day crossing rivers, train tracks or valleys and ravines. A dental bridge does the same thing. If you had an unfortunate accident and lost a tooth you are looking at a gap. If the dentist was forced to extract a tooth due to health issues you are left with a gap. That gap needs to be closed or the neighboring teeth will shift into that space and create problems with your bite pattern. Time to look at a dental bridge.
The Four Types of Dental Bridges
The most common bridge made is the Traditional Bridge. This is where the two neighboring teeth, or the abutment teeth, are prepared to receive crowns. Then a dental lab will fabricate those two crowns and affix an artificial tooth, or a pontic, between the crowns. Once the crowns are permanently cemented on the anchor teeth the gap is filled.
A second type is the Cantilever Bridge. This is a scenario when you only have one anchor tooth so only one crown does the work to hold the artificial tooth in place.
The third is the Maryland Bridge. We’ll expand on that version shortly. The fourth type is an Implant-Supported Bridge. If you lose three teeth the span is too big to cover safely. So, a dental implant is placed in the middle and then two traditional bridges go from that implant to the two natural abutment teeth.
The Specifics of a Maryland Bridge
A Maryland Bridge can be a viable option if you are considering a dental implant in the future. Unlike the traditional where the two abutment teeth lose their natural enamel to receive crowns, the Maryland Bridge keeps these two anchor teeth in their natural state. The anchoring device is now a metal framework. The dental lab will still fabricate a pontic and that artificial tooth is suspended between the two anchor teeth with metal. This metal framework is then bonded on the back side of the natural anchor teeth. If you chose to then proceed with an implant later the framework is easily removed and you have your natural anchor teeth uncompromised.
The Benefits of a Dental Bridge
As mentioned earlier a dental bridge will keep your teeth from shifting. It might also make a big difference on your biting and chewing habits. It will also have a huge impact on an invaluable asset, that being your smile. Your smile is the foundation for your self-esteem and your self-confidence. If you find yourself smiling with a now visible gap your smile will change as will your confidence. Dental bridges are a very affordable option. Schedule a consultation with your dentist today and take care of your teeth, your gums and your smile.
More on Dental Bridges : How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?