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I need to replace a tooth and my dentist is recommending a Maryland Bridge. Most people I know with a bridge get the regular bridge. Is there a benefit to the Maryland one?
Janie
Dear Janie,
Before we get into the Maryland Bridge, I want to make sure your dentist brought up a dental implant. This is the best tooth replacement option. It may be that an implant isn’t an option for you and that is why the bridge was suggested, but I want to make sure you knew about that option. Here is an explanation on whether to get a bridge or implant.
Maryland Bridge Versus Traditional Bridge
Unlike a traditional dental bridge that requires crowns on the adjacent teeth, a Maryland bridge uses small metal or ceramic “wings” bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, sits between them, filling the gap in your smile.
Because hardly any tooth structure needs to be removed to secure a Maryland Bridge, it’s a more conservative ways to replace a missing tooth.
When to Get a Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge makes sense for patients who:
- Are missing a single tooth
- Have healthy adjacent teeth
- Don’t want to grind down healthy teeth
- Are not a good candidate for a dental implant or are looking for a different treatment option
Was the “Maryland” Bridge Misnamed?
For many years, dentists were taught that the Maryland bridge received its name because researchers at the University of Maryland helped develop and popularize the technique.
However, recent historical information gave us the “rest of the story” about the restoration’s true origins.
According to Stewart “Chip” Halbauer II, his father, Dr. Stewart R. Halbauer, developed the original concept years before the University of Maryland researchers refined and expanded the technique. Dr. Halbauer practiced in Cincinnati, and his family has shared documentation supporting his role in the restoration’s early development.
Even today, many websites and some AI-generated summaries still repeat the older version of the story, giving credit only to the University of Maryland. Many dentists believe Dr. Halbauer deserves greater recognition for his contribution to restorative dentistry. Some have even suggested the restoration could more accurately be called the “Halbauer Bridge.”
Why Does the History Matter?
Dentistry has always advanced through innovation. New techniques are developed, improved, tested, and refined over time. Giving proper credit to those who contribute to these advances helps preserve the profession’s history, integrity, and honors the dentists whose ideas continue to benefit patients today. Plus, going to original sources, helps us to build on advancements properly. It helps if we get those original sources correct.
Whether the restoration is called a Maryland bridge or someday becomes more widely associated with Dr. Halbauer’s name, the goal remains the same: replace a missing tooth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Bottom line, the big difference is the amount of tooth structure you remove. If you don’t need a crown on one of the adjacent teeth, than a Maryland Bridge makes great sense.
This blog is brought to you by a friendly dentist in Baton Rouge, Dr. John Theriot.