Maryland Bridge
A Maryland Bridge is a conservative fiber-reinforced restoration used to replace a single missing tooth while preserving healthy tooth structure. Fiber-Bridge creates a strong, lightweight framework bonded to adjacent teeth, providing an aesthetic and minimally invasive treatment option.
This technique can be used as an emergency solution, a provisional restoration, or in selected cases as a medium-term treatment option.
Clinical Indications
- Single missing tooth
- Emergency tooth replacement
- Delayed implant placement
- Interim restorations
- Conservative treatment approaches
- Young patients awaiting definitive treatment
Benefits
- Minimally invasive technique
- Preservation of healthy tooth structure
- Metal-free restoration
- Excellent aesthetics
- Chairside fabrication
- Easy repair and modification
- Reduced treatment time
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Use a tin foil or a similar item to obtain the desired pattern.
2. Measure the needed length and prepare the fiber according to the desired “frame”.
3. Prepare the surface in order
to obtain an ideal bonding
of the fibers (i.e. acid etching).
4. Start covering the Fiber-Bridge structure with a cement or a highly flowable composite resin and use an adhesive if needed.
5. In a Maryland Bridge the
Fiber-Bridge ribbon must be impregnated and entirely covered with a resin composite and finally
light-cured.
6. Light-cure and polish to obtain a perfect result and aesthetics.
Keys to Success ✅
- Ensure adequate enamel surface for bonding.
- Always impregnate the Fiber-Bridge ribbon completely before placement.
- Never leave fibers exposed to the oral environment.
- Cover the ribbon with a sufficient thickness of composite resin.
- Avoid sharp bends or twists in the reinforcement structure.
- Ensure proper isolation and moisture control throughout the procedure.
Common Mistakes ❌
- Exposed fibers after finishing.
- Insufficient composite coverage.
- Inadequate bonding protocol.
- Excessive occlusal loading on the pontic.
- Using the bridge as a long-span restoration.