Has anyone had a Maryland Bridge?

Im looking for real life experience on the functional ability as well as the aesthetic value. I am missing four teeth and have been considering implants but that also includes bone grafting for all four sites and I really just cannot afford it I am afraid. I have decided already to havea Maryland on the bottom but Im thinking now, "why not on the top as well?" Any help would be wonderful. Thanks :)

Has anyone had a Maryland Bridge?
Anyone that would make you a Maryland bridge to replace 4 teeth should be shot! That would be so below the standard of care of dentistry -borders on malpractice- it isn't funny. Maryland bridges consist of a wing attached to adjacent teeth ( on either side) of the missing tooth. To replace 4 teeth on Maryland Bridge would fail within a year, probably less. If finances are a concern and implants are not in your budget, consider a partial denture. You can always have implants down the road. Under no circumstance put a Maryland bridge in, it will not hold. Typically, a Maryland Bridge is meant for short term basis 4-5 years at best and under certain restrictions, and not as good as permanent fix like a bridge, denture or implant. Good luck with your decision


***There is no such thing as a temporary Maryland Bridge***


To replace four separate laterals is:


#1) costly- each maryland bridge will span 3 teeth


#2) hygienically okay, but it means a lot more fastidious cleaning for you, they will act like splints and if plaque and bacteria sit for long period (without being able to clean and floss well) you stand the chance of developing periodontal problems.


Implants really would be your best option- longest and best prognosis without having to touch the adjacent teeth
Reply:A Maryland bridge only has wings on either side of the false teeth that are getting replaced so if you are replacing 4 missing teeth, that would be an immense amount of strain on the wings of either side of the bridge. It is only usually used when one tooth is missing and a palate is not wearable for the patient. Is your gap 4 teeth wide and if so maybe a fixed bridge would be the better solution for you. This is where the dentist shapes down the teeth at either side and the puts a complete bridge over the teeth and the gap. Hope this helps ... but just advice on the Maryland ..don't touch if over 2 teeth gap. It wont hold.
Reply:This type of bridge don't have a good reputation because the retention is weaker than other types, u can consider having a partial denture done as a temporary measure as it is much cheaper than bridge, but implant is the best option to replace missing teeth.


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Reply:implants would be your best choice for long term function and it is also cost effective to do them now because more than likey a maryland bridge will need to be replaced multiple times in your life, if you are young. If implants are not an option at all then a maryland bridge is a very acceptable alternative, and it can be extremely esthetic as well. The final results are determined by your dentists ability, the labs ability and your oral health as well as your bone and gum structure. If you are seriously considering a maryland bridge then try a temorary on first, this will cost you more upfront but can save you more expense in the long run. your dentist can bond some denture teeth onto orthodontic wire and then bond this to your natural teeth. This is a good way for you to try this type of procedure out first and if you like it then you can go with a traditional Maryland Bridge. A temporary might not be possible it really depends on your bite but most people can have one. Remember the final one will always look better than the temporary and also remember that there will be a fee for having a temporary one as well. I would talk to you dds about it and see what they think. Best of Luck
Reply:i work in a dental lab and i would try a cantilever bridge, they look better and stronger i think
Reply:Go to


http://www.optiopublishing.com/order/?re...





Click on "view movies".


Under dentistry, scroll down to "missing tooth", and there is an animated video about the maryland bridge.
Reply:Maryland bridges are cheap but very unreliable. If you want to bite on the teeth they will last less than a year (on average) they are fantastic aesthetically but not very functional.





Implants are expensive and invasive but they are definately the better option of the two



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