Implant Bridge vs Maryland Bridge

Choosing between implant-supported bridges and Maryland bridges - which is better?

Exploring which type of tooth replacement system will be right to replace multiple missing teeth? Weighing up the differences between traditional dental bridges like Maryland and the newer, modern approaches that use dental implants? While both can restore your smile pretty simply, the two work and function differently.Here’s how they compare across key categories:

Fit and stability

🏆Winner: Implant bridgeWhen it comes to stability and fit, there’s no superior solution available than dental implants. This is because they do shift or loosen even when chewing overtime. After all, they are integrated like a natural tooth root to your jaw.

• Implant bridge: This method uses dental implants that are anchored directly into the bone in the jaw via titanium implants that offer rock-solid stability. It does not rely on support from adjacent teeth, which means patients can preserve more of their natural tooth structure.
• Maryland bridges: Use a metal or ceramic wing bonded to the back of teeth, making them less invasive. However, over time, the adhesive can wear down, causing the bridge to debond.

Aesthetics

🏆Winner: Implant bridgeBoth missing teeth replacement options can look great, especially in skilled hands. However, dental implant bridges take the lead because they’re more realistic—no part of the prosthetic is visible whatsoever, whereas the wings of the bridge can come into view from time to time.

• Implant bridge: Looks and feels just like natural teeth. Gum contouring is often designed into the bridge helps with extra realism.
• Maryland bridge: Maryland bridges are always great for aesthetics, especially on the front teeth when used with tooth-coloured ceramic wings (instead of metal). However, they are often bulkier and can be visible behind the teeth.

Longevity

🏆Winner: Implant bridgeDental implants are the longest-lasting tooth replacement option, so they are the winner in terms of longevity.

• Implant bridge: Designed to last 20-30 years, with the titanium post likely never requiring replacement.
• Maryland bridge: Typically have a lifespan of 5-10 years (or longer with limited stress) and are generally considered a temporary or mid-term solution.

Cost

🏆Winner: Maryland BridgeMaryland Bridges are the more budget-friendly tooth replacement option, and tend to be used the most when dental implants are not the right option or you’re not ready for placement.

• Implant bridge (from £2,000): Dental implants have a higher upfront cost due to surgical placement and lab work, but they are more cost-effective over time.
• Maryland bridge (from £1,050): Less expensive up front as no surgery is involved.

Procedure and recovery

🏆Winner: Maryland BridgeMaryland Bridges offer a quick, non-invasive fix, whereas implants take time to heal and integrate.

• Implant bridge: Dental implants require multiple appointments over a few months. Once the implant has been positioned, it requires time to heal and integrate with the bone in the jaw, which means it’s not an instant solution.
• Maryland bridge: Often completed in just 1-2 visits with no surgery, healing or recovery periods.

Function (chewing and speaking)

🏆Winner: Implant bridgeIn terms of overall functionality, dental implant bridges are the clear winners, as they handle everyday functions without compromise and can handle heavy biting forces.

• Implant bridges: Restores full bite strength, which means patients can still enjoy tougher foods and have chewing functions almost identical to those of natural teeth.
• Maryland bridge: This is recommended for low-bite pressure areas like replacing missing front teeth, but it is not typically ideal for molars, as biting into hard foods can dislodge them.

Explore our dental bridge treatments here, or learn more about implant bridges. If you'd like to book a consultation with Dr Gutierres for an implant bridge, or any type of tooth replacement for that matter, you can book a free consultation online.