What is a Maryland Bridge?
If your dentist tells you that you need to have a tooth pulled, or if an accident occurs that involves you losing teeth, you’ll need to consider your options for the replacement of your tooth
or teeth. One of the most popular options is a dental bridge.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are dental appliances that involve a pontic (false tooth or set of false teeth) that is installed between healthy teeth. While traditional bridges are common, there are also other options, such as Maryland bridges.
Why You Need a Dental Bridge (or Other Replacement Option)
There are a variety of reasons that you’ll want to make sure that a missing tooth is replaced as soon as possible. These reasons include:
- The look of your smile,
- the migration of your remaining teeth,
- the effect a missing tooth can have on the integrity of your jawbone,
- your ability to bite and chew and
- your overall self-esteem.
Keep in mind that a missing tooth or teeth isn’t just a matter of the way you look. If you don’t address the issue quickly, you risk serious damage to your overall oral health.
What Is a Maryland Bridge?
Maryland bridges are a form of dental bridge that were developed at the University of Maryland (hence the name). These bridges involve a slightly different procedure than traditional bridges.
Unlike traditional bridges that have crowns with a pontic between that bridge the gap, Maryland bridges don’t have crowns. Instead, there are metal wings that are bonded to the back on the pontic—leaving the false tooth or teeth in front. The metal wings are bonded to the back of the healthy teeth surrounding the pontic.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
While the cost of a bridge isn’t generally very high, there are different factors that you’ll want to consider. These include:
- How many teeth are being replaced,
- the difficulty of the procedure,
- how much your particular dentist charges,
- how much your insurance covers
- and what materials are used.
Regardless of the costs, you’ll want to make sure that a bridge is installed—or some other tooth or teeth replacement appliance—to insure your oral health.
Speaking with Your Dentist
There are often different options that you can choose when it comes to tooth or teeth replacement—and you’ll definitely want to go over them with your dentist. You may want to go with an implant, for instance, but upon a closer inspection of your jaw, your dentist may decide that implants aren’t right for you.
Dental bridges are a great alternative, and Maryland bridges are an excellent choice when it comes to dental bridges.
While these forms of bridges are a good option, it is important to discuss the fact that the metal will affect the look of the false tooth with your dentist. Many dentists often forget to take this into account—leaving their patients with a false tooth or teeth that appear darker than the surrounding teeth.
A bridge will help to save the integrity of your jaw, improve your smile and ensure better oral health for years to come.
Interested in learning more about dental bridges? Read more what you can expect a new bridge to cost.
Ready to get started with journey towards optimal oral health? Contact Baer Dental Designs today and learn more about our dental bridge process with a consultation.