Dental bridge
What is a Maryland bridge in dentistry?
A Maryland bridge, also called a resin-bonded bridge, replaces a missing tooth using metal wings bonded to the backs of the neighbouring teeth instead of crowns. Cleveland Clinic says it is typically used for front teeth because it cannot handle back-tooth chewing forces. Unlike a removable partial denture, a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist.
What is a Maryland bridge?
Cleveland Clinic describes a Maryland, or resin-bonded, bridge as one that uses metal wings bonded to the backs of neighbouring teeth instead of crowns. It is typically used for front teeth, because it cannot handle back-tooth chewing forces. The ADA's MouthHealthy page on bridges does not mention Maryland or resin-bonded bridges. The name Maryland refers to the bridge's design and is sometimes misspelled in searches as Marilyn, which is general knowledge and flagged.
How is a Maryland bridge placed?
Cleveland Clinic says the teeth are prepared and impressions taken. At the second visit the bridge is fitted, the abutment teeth are etched, and the wings are bonded with resin cement. For traditional and cantilever bridges, by contrast, the abutment teeth are reshaped by removing enamel, which is irreversible. The page does not say how much a Maryland bridge needs, so ask your dentist how much tooth is prepared.
What are the types of dental bridge?
Cleveland Clinic lists four: traditional, with crowns on both sides and artificial teeth between, used when healthy natural teeth flank the gap; cantilever, with a crown on one side only, used when natural teeth are on only one side, and less strong; Maryland; and implant-supported, resting on dental implants that must fuse to the jawbone first, usually 3 to 6 months. The ADA describes fixed bridges that only a dentist can remove, removable bridges that the patient can take out and clean, and implant bridges. Our hub on dental bridges covers them all.
What are dental bridges made of?
The ADA says bridges are made of gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these. Cleveland Clinic says dentists can match the shade of your natural teeth, and that a Maryland bridge uses metal wings, with the artificial tooth between them. The sources do not give a more detailed list of materials for a Maryland bridge. The ADA says a bridge's success depends on its foundation, so keeping the remaining teeth healthy and strong is important.
What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
The ADA describes a bridge as a fixed partial denture, replacing one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth attached to neighbouring teeth for support, and says a fixed bridge can only be removed by a dentist. It describes a removable partial denture as a set of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, sometimes with a metal framework and clasps connecting to natural teeth. The ADA's pages do not compare them directly. The main difference is that a partial denture is removable and you take it out to clean it, which follows from the ADA's descriptions and is flagged.
How do you look after a bridge?
Cleveland Clinic says to brush and floss daily with a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste, clean under the bridge daily with floss threaders or interproximal brushes, avoid very hard or chewy foods, and not chew ice, pens or fingernails. For a partial denture, the ADA says to brush daily with a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush, not use toothpaste, which can be too harsh, use a denture cleaner, rinse before placing it, and keep it moist overnight in soaking solution or water.
What are the limits of a Maryland bridge?
Cleveland Clinic says it is typically used for front teeth since it cannot handle back-tooth chewing forces. It lists, for bridges in general, risks such as decay or trauma to the abutment teeth and poor cleaning leading to plaque, gum inflammation and cavities. The sources we read do not give how long a Maryland bridge lasts or how often the bond fails, and Cleveland Clinic's bridge life of about 5 to 15 years is for bridges in general.
Is a Maryland bridge or an implant better?
Cleveland Clinic says neither is universally better, and that implants generally last longer and help preserve bone, while a bridge usually takes two visits. Our hub on dental bridges compares the two. Your dentist will consider your teeth, bone and preferences.
Questions to ask your dentist
Take these to your consultation.
- Is a Maryland bridge suitable for my missing tooth?
- How much of the neighbouring teeth will you prepare?
- How long should it last, and what if it comes off?
- How does it compare with an implant or a partial denture?
- How do I clean it?
Planning for the cost?
Ask which bridge type is quoted and whether temporaries are included. See what a dental bridge costs and what a quote should include.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Maryland bridge?
A bridge with metal wings bonded to the backs of neighbouring teeth.
Where is a Maryland bridge used?
Typically front teeth, per Cleveland Clinic.
What are dental bridges made of?
Gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination, says the ADA.
What is the difference between a bridge and a partial?
A fixed bridge only a dentist removes; a partial denture is removable.
How is a Maryland bridge attached?
The wings are bonded with resin cement.
How long does a Maryland bridge last?
The sources give no figure for this type.
Sources
General education only. Where sources give different timings, this guide shows the range and tells you to follow your own clinician.
- Cleveland Clinic: dental bridges (updated May 24, 2023) (checked October 21, 2026)
- ADA MouthHealthy: bridges (no date shown) (checked October 21, 2026)
- ADA MouthHealthy: partial dentures (no date shown) (checked October 21, 2026)
This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. If you have a concern about your health, please consult your nearest doctor or dentist.