What a Maryland bridge is
A Maryland bridge, or resin-bonded bridge, replaces a missing tooth with a pontic held by thin wings bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth. Little or no tooth reduction is needed, which makes it a conservative option, most often for a single missing anterior tooth.
It is commonly used for missing lateral incisors, for young patients who are not yet ready for an implant, and as a long-term alternative when an implant is not possible.
One wing or two?
Traditional designs have a wing on each abutment tooth. Many clinicians now prefer a single-wing (cantilever) design in the anterior region, because the two abutment teeth move slightly differently and a two-wing bridge can debond on one side.
The clinician decides the design. The designer needs to know which tooth carries the wing, or both, before starting.
Materials
- Zirconia: strong and aesthetic, widely used for single-wing anterior bridges
- Lithium disilicate: very aesthetic, with connector limits that must be respected
- Metal (cobalt-chrome) framework with ceramic: the traditional option, still used in posterior cases
Design points
Wing. The wing covers as much enamel on the lingual or palatal surface as possible for bonding, stays clear of the incisal edge so it does not show through, and avoids occlusal contacts with the antagonist. Thickness follows the material manufacturer's minimum.
Connector. The connector between pontic and wing is the weak point. Its height and width must meet the material's minimum cross-section, which means shaping it in the lingual embrasure without making the pontic look bulky.
Pontic. An ovate or modified ridge-lap pontic gives a natural emergence from the gum. Its shape is matched to the contralateral tooth for symmetry.
Occlusion. The pontic and wing must be free of contacts in excursions, especially protrusion, to reduce debonding forces.
What the designer needs
- Scan of both arches, with the lingual surfaces of the abutment teeth well captured
- Bite registration
- Material choice and one-wing or two-wing design
- Any minimal preparation or rest seats the clinician has made
- Shade and photos, especially of the contralateral tooth
Outsourcing Maryland bridge design
We design Maryland bridges remotely in zirconia, lithium disilicate or metal frameworks, and deliver milling-ready files. Revisions are included until you approve the design.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Maryland bridge?
- A resin-bonded bridge: a pontic held by one or two wings bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth, with minimal or no preparation.
- One wing or two wings?
- Single-wing (cantilever) designs are widely used in the anterior; the clinician chooses based on the case. We design either.
- What materials can a Maryland bridge be designed for?
- Zirconia, lithium disilicate or metal frameworks, following the material manufacturer's instructions.