BONDED DIRECT BRIDGE

In selected cases a missing tooth can be restored in one appointment by bonding to one of the teeth next to a gap using either a :-

• plastic denture tooth
• the patient’s own tooth after the crown has been sectioned from its root
• a tooth formed from tooth coloured filling material.

A direct bonded bridge may be re-inforced using special cords or fibres embedded into the filling material to give the bridge greater strength.

Success rates are higher if the false tooth is bonded to only one tooth adjacent to the gap rather than bonding to both teeth on either side of the gap.

• Maryland Bridge: Impressions are taken and a metal framework is made to fit the inside surfaces of one or both of the teeth adjacent to the space. The framework supports a false tooth and is cemented onto the adjacent tooth/teeth. Maryland bridges are two appointment procedures.

Advantages:
Minimal or no re-shaping of the adjacent abutment tooth
Low costs
Often can be made in one appointment
Sometimes used in an emergency

Disadvantages:
Although considered a temporary or semi-permanent solution, bonded bridges may last many years.
Bonded bridges are not as strong and may break or be knocked out
Materials used are not as aesthetic in the long term as porcelain