Maryland Bridge

Maryland bridges have evolved over the years from the orig non-precious frame with built felspathic porcelain to today's printed resins. Why did we use NP back in the day? It was the only metal that would etch. Today with the changes to bonding system that's not needed and with wings of either resins or ceramic no ugly grey show through on those teeth with the wings. One more change is most MB's only have one wing. Why? It was found that typically with the movement of teeth one wing would come loose yet the other one stuck therefore why use tw wings became somewhat of the norm. So what materials are used today for a Maryland Bridge?

Emax Cad- Emax is pretty, but weak. If the joints are not thick enough, they will break. Advantages are esthetics and Emax will etch but those that have been made approx. 50% have broken so we are very selective in using this material. Cost $385 (one pontic)

Zirconia- Early on zirconia could not be used because it does not etch but studies have found when the wings are coated with Kurray Clearfil resin as a bonding agent, which we coat prior to sending out, the wings have bonded remarkable well. This is best used when space is a concern for strength. Joints still need to be thick therefore adequate space is needed. Wings need to be a min of .6mm thick and interprox joints 3-4mm. Cost $275 (one pontic)

Dentsply's IPN Print Resin- This was the first print resin we used for Maryland bridges. It's flexure strength was good, but the material can have a low value. Cost $278 (one pontic)

Rhoden Sculpture- This is a nano ceramic print resin. Stronger than IPN and shading closely matches the Lumin shade guide. To date this is the material of choice we have found. Cost $270 (one pontic)

PMMA- This material is a milled resin therefore costs go up due to bur usage. Very strong material but doesn't bond as well as other resins. Esthetics are good. Cost $456 (one pontic)

PFM- These are still made with NP metal but very old school. But the wings can be .3mm thick if need be.  Call for pricing