What is a Maryland Bridge?

Bridges are used in dentistry to replace missing or knocked-out teeth, they work by anchoring a synthetic device onto neighbouring teeth, normally in a permanent way, but sometimes temporarily. Devices like this can be made from various materials, and are shaped to exactly fit the individual patients smile. A Maryland bridge is a type of appliance that is made from very strong acrylic resin, which also has a certain amount of flexibility, to ensure a high level of comfort and performance, underneath the resin is the metal framework that gives the device a more stable structure and greater durability – Maryland bridges can last up to three times longer than the nearest competitor, when fitted and cared for correctly. In addition, most bridges are fitted after a substantial portion of the anchoring teeth has been cut away, but Maryland versions have a core strength that means the layers don’t have to be shaved down quite as much, in order to support the dummy tooth, this means that the patient is less likely to have problems with sensitivity and they won’t have to undergo significant re-shaping during their first appointment. Furthermore, the small amount of remodelling also means that the process is reversible, if for some reason the bridge has to be removed.

How are Maryland bridges fitted?

The first step in any dental procedure is to examine the oral environment thoroughly; any problems with gum health or tooth decay have to be dealt with promptly, as they will only compound progress. All reputable dentists will provide adequate treatment for ailments before fitting any sort of dental appliance; it’s no good cementing a synthetic device in place over the top of diseased tissue or rotten enamel, this may mask the problem for a short amount of time, but eventually the bridge will have to be removed and you will be back at square one.

When your dentist has determined that you are suitable for treatment, they will need to take an impression of your teeth, so that the bridge can be moulded to fit perfectly in your mouth. If you have never experience this process before, it might feel a little bit strange, but it’s not painful and you won’t need any anaesthetic. Dental putty is loaded into a tray, which is then pressed against your teeth to create a mould, after a few minutes, the putty will have hardened just enough to hold the impression and it can be removed. The mould is sent away to the laboratory, where technicians will begin building a bridge that fits comfortably and provides a natural-looking smile in both colour and proportion.

It normally takes several weeks for a Maryland bridge to be manufactured, and you will be called back to the surgery when your device is ready to be fixed in place. In order to comfortably fit the bridge, without it looking bulky or feeling unstable, the anchoring teeth must be re-shaped to some degree. At this stage of the treatment, you will need to be anaesthetised, using local anaesthetic; if you are very nervous about injections, it might be helpful to speak to your dentists about sedation techniques before the procedure begins, there are several tablets or inhalants that can be used to calm your nerves and make the process run smoothly.

The bridge will then be temporarily stuck in place, just to make sure that it fits correctly and comfortably, and appears as it should; you will also be asked to bite down, so that your dentist can check that the bite is functioning properly around the new device. If you are both happy with the way the bridge looks and feels, it can be cemented in place permanently – although some dentists may prefer to fit it temporarily, for only a week or two, to leave room for any necessary adjustments.

You will have several follow-up appointments scheduled, and it’s vital that you attend as and when you are expected to; your dentist needs to monitor your progress and check for signs of gum disease or decay. Check-ups also give you the opportunity to voice any concerns you might have regarding your bridge, and to point out any areas that might need adjusting. To book an initial consultation, call the Pearl Dental Clinic and speak to a member of the team today, the London-based surgery offers all kinds of solutions for broken or missing teeth.

Will I need a temporary bridge fitting?

Some patients will have a temporary device fitted between appointments; it really depends on the personal preference of your dentist, and how many teeth are being replaced. If you are going to have a temporary bridge, the supporting teeth will have to be remodelled during your first appointment, so that the appliance can fit over the top of them, without looking out of proportion. Bridges that are designed to last only a few weeks will not look as natural or perform as well as the permanent variety, but they serve their purpose for the interim period; they are great for protecting reshaped teeth and for giving an idea of what the finished article will look like.

Are Maryland bridges hard to take care of?

A well-kept, good quality Maryland bridge can last ten years or longer, so it is very important to learn proper oral hygiene, if you want to get the best out of your dental appliance. Consider your bridge to be the same as your natural teeth, which need cleaning twice a day, for at least two minutes. When brushing, pay particular attention to the false tooth and around any hard to reach areas of the bridge – you need to avoid plaque building up in these places. It’s also very important to take good care of the anchoring teeth, without them, the bridge will have nothing to support it and will eventually fall out; don’t let your teeth succumb to decay, as this can cause a myriad of problems that will only set your treatment back substantially, whilst costing you a lot more money in the long run.