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Petrie Advanced Dental

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Maryland Dental Bridges in Tacoma, WA

Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Please contact our dentist for more information at (253) 761-5422.

A Conservative Solution for Missing Teeth

Maryland dental bridges provide a conservative and durable option for those seeking to replace missing teeth. These bridges are designed to preserve natural tooth structure while offering stability and support. Maryland dental bridges are particularly recommended for specific scenarios due to their unique design and benefits.

Explore our Tacoma, WA, dentist’s guide to these types of dental bridges by calling (253) 761-5422.

maryland dental bridges

What Are Maryland Dental Bridges?

Maryland dental bridges, also referred to as resin-bonded bridges, are a type of dental prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Unlike traditional dental bridges that depend on dental crowns to support the replacement tooth, Maryland bridges utilize a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. 

This innovative design provides stability and support to the artificial tooth, eliminating the need for dental crowns and preserving the natural tooth structure. Maryland bridges offers an effective solution for those seeking to replace a missing tooth with minimal tooth preparation, making them a popular choice for maintaining oral health and restoring a complete and confident smile.

Do Dentists Still Use Them?

While they’re not as popular as traditional dental bridges, some dentists may use them to replace front teeth. 

Benefits of Maryland Dental Bridges

There are many benefits associated with Maryland dental bridges, including:

  • Conservative Approach: These bridges are a conservative option for tooth replacement, requiring minimal alteration to adjacent teeth compared to traditional dental bridges.
  • Preserves Natural Teeth: By bonding to neighboring teeth without crowns, Maryland bridges preserve the natural tooth structure, reducing long-term damage.
  • Quick and Non-Invasive: The procedure is faster and less invasive, involving minimal tooth preparation and a shorter recovery time.
  • Aesthetic Improvement: Custom-made to match your natural teeth, Maryland bridges fill gaps left by missing teeth, enhancing your smile.
  • Functional Restoration: They restore your ability to chew and speak properly, maintaining normal oral functions compromised by missing teeth.

Maryland Bridges Compared to Traditional Bridges

Maryland dental bridges and traditional dental bridges have some key differences:  

  • Conservative Approach: Maryland bridges are a more conservative treatment option. They preserve more of the natural tooth structure because they don’t require extensive preparation of adjacent teeth for crowns, unlike traditional bridges.
  • Strength and Stability: Traditional dental bridges, with their crowns, provide excellent strength and stability. Maryland bridges, on the other hand, are ideal for replacing front teeth or areas with less biting force, offering adequate strength and stability for these situations.
  • Cost: Maryland bridges are often more cost-effective than traditional dental bridges. They require less dental work and fewer materials. However, the cost can vary based on the number of missing teeth, materials used, and case complexity.
  • Aesthetics: Both Maryland and traditional bridges can be customized to match the natural color and shape of your teeth for a natural-looking smile. Traditional bridges might offer slightly better aesthetics due to the use of dental crowns.

dentist checkin patient's oral cavity

Maryland Dental Bridge Process

Initial Consultation

Your journey to a new smile begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your oral health will be assessed to determine if a dental bridge is the right solution for replacing missing teeth. The dentist will discuss various tooth replacement options, including traditional dental bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-supported bridges, to find the best fit for your needs.

Minimal Tooth Preparation 

Choosing a Maryland dental bridge involves minimal changes to the adjacent teeth. Only a small amount of enamel is removed to make room for the bridge. Impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory to create a custom bridge. This ensures the bridge securely bonds to the back of the adjacent teeth, preserving natural tooth structure and providing a stable replacement tooth.

Temporary Bridge

While your permanent bridge is being crafted, a temporary bridge may be placed to shield your exposed teeth and gums, ensuring protection and comfort during the healing period.

Bridge Fitting

Once your custom Maryland dental bridge is ready, you’ll visit the dentist to have it fitted. The temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is checked for fit and appearance. Adjustments may be made to ensure it aligns well with your natural teeth, providing a comfortable and seamless finish.

Bonding

Once the fit is right, the Maryland dental bridge is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth using dental cement. This involves attaching a metal or ceramic framework that holds the replacement tooth securely in place, ensuring stability and a natural look.

Final Adjustments

After bonding the Maryland dental bridge, your dentist will check your bite and make any needed tweaks. A balanced bite is essential to avoid stress on the bridge and your natural teeth, ensuring everything fits comfortably and works well.

Do You Need a Maryland Dental Bridge?

Your dentist may recommend a Maryland bridge for patients for various reasons, including:

  • Replacing Missing Teeth: Ideal for replacing missing teeth, especially when adjacent teeth are healthy and strong, ensuring the bridge securely bonds.
  • Enhancing Aesthetics: Maryland dental bridges improve the appearance of your smile by filling the gaps left by missing teeth, providing a complete and confident smile.
  • Improving Speech: Missing teeth can impact speech clarity, and a dental bridge can help restore proper speech patterns.
  • Restoring Chewing Functionality: Maryland dental bridges restore the ability to chew and bite effectively, which might be compromised due to missing teeth.

Guy smiling

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Maryland dental bridges permanent?

Maryland dental bridges are permanent, meaning patients can’t remove them. However, they may not last forever. Their longevity depends on good oral hygiene, diet, and overall oral health. With proper care, a Maryland dental bridge can last for many years, effectively replacing missing teeth.

Is getting a Maryland bridge painful?

Getting a Maryland dental bridge is usually not painful. Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Afterward, you might feel slight sensitivity or discomfort, but this typically goes away within a few days.

Can anyone get a Maryland dental bridge?

Maryland dental bridges are ideal when adjacent teeth are strong and healthy, as they depend on these teeth for support. Your dentist will assess your oral health to see if a Maryland bridge suits your needs. In some cases, traditional bridges or other options may be better suited.

Find Out More About Your Dental Bridge Options

Maryland dental bridges offer a comfortable and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth, enhancing both function and appearance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for their long-lasting durability. These bridges are an excellent choice for achieving a complete and confident smile.

Contact our Tacoma dentist at (253) 761-5422 to explore the best dental bridge options for you! We proudly serve patients from Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.