Maryland bridge — a resin-bonded bridge for a missing front tooth

Key facts

• False tooth bonded to wings behind the neighbouring teeth
• Minimal or no drilling of neighbouring teeth
• Ideal for a single missing front tooth in suitable bites
• Main risk is debonding; can often be re-bonded
• Can serve long-term or while waiting for an implant

What a Maryland bridge is

A Maryland bridge, also called a resin-bonded bridge, consists of a false tooth (pontic) with one or two thin wings made of metal or ceramic. The wings are bonded with strong adhesive to the inner, tongue-side surfaces of the teeth next to the gap. Because the wings sit behind the teeth, they are usually invisible from the front. Unlike a conventional bridge, which requires crowns on the neighbouring teeth, a Maryland bridge needs only minimal preparation, sometimes just slight roughening of the enamel. Modern designs often use a single wing on one tooth, known as a cantilever resin-bonded bridge, which can reduce the risk of debonding.

Who is a good candidate

Maryland bridges are most often used to replace a single missing front tooth, particularly a lateral incisor, when the neighbouring teeth are healthy, have enough enamel for bonding and are not heavily filled. They suit younger patients whose jaw is still developing and who are not yet ready for an implant, people who have completed orthodontic treatment to create space, and those who prefer to avoid surgery or extensive tooth preparation. They are less suitable for back teeth with heavy chewing forces, for people with a deep bite where lower teeth strike the back of upper teeth, for heavy grinders and where neighbouring teeth are weak or mobile.

Advantages and limitations

The main advantage is that natural tooth structure is largely preserved, which also keeps future options open, such as converting to an implant later. Treatment is usually quick, non-surgical and comfortable, often without the need for local anaesthetic. The appearance can be very natural with a well-made ceramic pontic. The main limitation is debonding: the bridge can come loose, particularly with heavy biting forces. A loose bridge can usually be cleaned and re-bonded if it has not broken. Metal wings can sometimes give a slight grey tint through thin teeth, which is why ceramic or zirconia wings are often chosen for front teeth.

Maryland bridge versus implant or conventional bridge

An implant replaces the missing tooth independently and does not rely on neighbouring teeth, but it requires enough bone, surgery and a healing period, and is usually placed only once jaw growth is complete. A conventional bridge is very strong but requires crowning the teeth on either side. A Maryland bridge sits between these options: minimally invasive and quick, but more dependent on bonding and bite. Some patients use a Maryland bridge long-term; others use it as a medium-term solution while waiting for an implant. Dr. Manhal Helfawee explains which option suits your bite, bone and goals.

Treatment steps and aftercare

After an examination, X-rays and an assessment of your bite, a digital scan or impression is taken and sent to the laboratory, where the pontic and wing are made to match your teeth. At the fitting visit, the enamel is carefully prepared and the wing is bonded under strict moisture control, then the bite is checked to make sure the bridge is not overloaded. Afterwards, avoid biting directly into very hard foods with the bridge, clean under the false tooth daily with floss threaders or super floss and attend regular check-ups. Contact the clinic promptly if the bridge feels loose or moves, and keep it safe if it comes off.

A crown covers and strengthens a damaged tooth; a bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side. Zirconia and porcelain options combine strength with a natural appearance.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.