Dental Bridge
Posted , 3 users are following.
Has anyone had experience with a fixed bridge or a Maryland bridge? I have a baby tooth that never fell out. It's an eye (canine) tooth. According to my dentist and oral surgeon, the tooth will fall out at some point (it's barely hanging in there), probably fairly soon. I'm not a candidate for an implant, as the adult tooth is laying in the roof of my mouth blocking the path for an iplant, and cannot be removed. My only options are to have the baby tooth removed and get either a Maryland bridge or a fixed bridge. If I go with a fixed bridge, destroying the healty adjacent teeth (as in filing and crowning) is necessary, If I choose the Maryland bridge, I would have to live with hardward behind my teeth and potentially fragile bite capabilities. Any advice?
0 likes, 10 replies
amkoffee acc925
Posted
I have no idea what a Maryland bridge is but I have two fixed bridges in my mouth. With your description of a Maryland bridge I think I would easily go for the fixed bridge. They don't destroy the healty teeth on either side. They prep them by making them smaller around, but they don't drill out the nerve. The tooth is still alive and can still get to the point where it needs a root canal. But that can still be done through the cap leaving the bridge intact. And considering the cost of the bridge this is an important factor. My last bridge cost me $1500 after insurance paid their share. Although maybe you are lucky enough to live in a country with free healthcare. Well that's my opinion anyway. Do with it what you will.
acc925 amkoffee
Posted
I shouldn't have used the word "descruction" when explaining the fixed bridge. What I meant was the adjecent teeth are filed down to nubs, leaving the roots in tact. Then the fixed bridge with the prosthetic tooth is attached to the filed down nubs, which get capped. The Maryland bridge is a single prosthetic tooth that is attached to the adjacent teeth (which don't get filed down) from behind using hardware. I'm curious about the overall loss of strength with either procedure and others' experience with either.
amkoffee acc925
Posted
Ooh I see. Is the Maryland bridge removable? If so I have had one of those. And having had one of those and the other kind of bridge I still have to go with my first opinion. My removable bridge stopped fitting after a dentist did some work above the bridge. So she tried to fix the problem by"sanding" the tooth party of the bridge and really ended up ruining it. So I just had to stop wearing it and many years later replaced with a permanent bridge.
acc925 amkoffee
Posted
I don't think the Maryland bridge is removeable. It's attached permanently to an adjacent tooth with porcelain or metal. It's my understanding they're not as strong as a fixed bridge. I'm having difficulty accepting the fact that in order to have a fixed bridge, however, 2 of my perfectly healthy, strong teeth will need to be filed down to nubs. Although I realize they get capped, it creeps me out. It feels like voluntary mutilation.
amkoffee acc925
Posted
Well I really don't agree with your way of looking at it but hey it's your mouth so ultimately the decision is yours. Isn't the point of the whole thing to fill the gap with something that will last? What does your dentist think is the best option for you? I will say that I have two bridges in my mouth and I have TMJ because I grind my teeth and fortunately they have been able to handle it so far. Of course I now have a mouth guard to wear which helps my jaw and protects my caps and bridges. Keep me posted. I'd like to know which way you decide to go
acc925 amkoffee
Posted
How long have you had your bridge? If the bridge is in the front of your mouth, do you have any trouble biting apples or the like? Yes, you are correct. The point is to fill the gap where a tooth is missing. This is why I'm looking for experiences from people who have had a fixed bridge and a Maryland bridge. They each have their pros and cons.
amkoffee acc925
Posted
My bridges are not in the front. One is on top and one is on bottom. One on each side of my mouth.
Now I finally watched a video of a Maryland bridge so now I know exactly what it is. I now I know I'm right in my opinion. And that because if the either of the two teeth on either side of the gap have a problem, maybe even a cavity depending where that's cavity is located, then your Maryland Bridge is ruined and you will have to have a new brige made. Where with the other kind of bridge you will not deal with that issue. Yes those two teeth can go bad, but they can be treated right through the bridge without compromising the bridge.
acc925 amkoffee
Posted
Thanks. I'm leaning toward the fixed bridge, as it seems to make the most sense. I just have to get over my squeamishness about filing down 2 innocent bystanders.
amkoffee acc925
Posted
amkoffee acc925
Posted
Oh and although I don't have the bridges in the front, from my experience of using them I would say that they have enough power to bite through an apple or corn on the cob without any problem or without any wiggle either.