| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0341 |
| Type | specialty |
| Category | specialty |
| Fixed/removable | fixed |
| Primary function | tooth replacement (fixed, minimally invasive) |
| Malocclusion target | missing teeth; anterior tooth replacement |
| Inventor | University of Maryland (hence "Maryland Bridge") |
| First year | 1970s |
| Period | historical / current |
| Status | current |
| Uses TADs | no |
The Maryland bridge (resin-bonded fixed partial denture / RBFPD) is a fixed tooth replacement that avoids full crown preparation on adjacent teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) with thin metal or ceramic wings (retainers) that are acid-etched and bonded with resin cement to the lingual surfaces of the adjacent natural teeth. Minimal or no tooth preparation is required. In orthodontic contexts, the temporary Maryland bridge is used to replace a missing tooth (most commonly a congenitally missing upper lateral incisor) during and after orthodontic treatment, providing an esthetic, fixed temporary tooth while the patient matures to implant candidacy. CFL's Temporary Maryland Bridge at specifically serves this orthodontic use case.
Resin cement provides mechanical and chemical bonding between the acid-etched metal wings and the enamel of the adjacent teeth. The wings are thin enough to not significantly alter the occlusion or labial surface appearance. The pontic tooth sits in the edentulous space, restoring esthetics and some function. A single-wing (cantilever) design is now preferred over double-wing for better longevity and less debonding.
Congenitally missing upper lateral incisors in adolescent orthodontic patients (the most common CFL use case); temporary tooth replacement after orthodontic space opening, before implant placement (patient must be 18+ years for implants); anterior tooth replacement when full crown preparation is undesirable (minimally invasive approach); temporary esthetics during the interval between orthodontic treatment completion and definitive implant restoration.
The metal wing design has some esthetic limitations (metal can show through thin enamel); ceramic/zirconia wings are more esthetic but more difficult to bond. Debonding is the primary failure mode — average survival 5–10 years, after which rebonding or replacement is needed. Not a definitive long-term solution for most patients (implant + crown is the definitive treatment). Parafunctional habits (bruxism) significantly reduce longevity.
Wing thickness must be 0.3–0.5 mm — too thick alters occlusion; too thin reduces retention area. The wing surface must be electrolytically or chemically etched for mechanical retention of the resin cement. Pontic contour must match the existing dentition. CFL's Temporary Maryland Bridge is priced as a temporary prosthetic — simpler construction than a definitive RBFPD.
only; less tooth reduction, slightly less retention
teeth; more retentive; standard configuration
composite pontic; no metal; fully tooth-colored; lower strength than metal-wing version
wings; esthetic metal-free; increased preparation required
implant osseointegration; common in young patients replacing congenitally missing laterals
Dentistry](https://originsspecialtydentistry.com/blog/267110-resin-bonded-bridge-maryland-bridge/)
PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9807957/)
DL](https://charismaticdl.com/product/maryland-bridges/)
lateral incisor use, fabrication, business notes.