Adhesive bridge

An adhesive bridge is a type of fixed prosthetic construction used to replace one missing tooth. In clinical practice, this type of prosthetic treatment is also often referred to as a Maryland bridge. It is fixed using special adhesive materials that securely bond the prosthesis to the supporting teeth without the need for full tooth preparation.

An adhesive bridge construction consists of an intermediate artificial tooth and fixing elements (wings) that are placed on the inner surface of the adjacent teeth. Most often, such constructions are made of modern composite materials or ceramic, which ensures an aesthetic appearance and sufficient strength within the indicated applications.

Despite its minimal invasiveness, an adhesive dental bridge has certain limitations. Contraindications include:

• the absence of several consecutive teeth;

• significant defects of the supporting teeth or their mobility;

• pronounced bite disorders;

• increased chewing load in the area of the defect.

In such cases, the dentist may recommend alternative prosthetic methods that provide better long-term stability.

A Maryland bridge, or adhesive bridge, is used only in clearly defined clinical situations and is not suitable for every case of tooth loss. Its placement is possible provided that the supporting teeth are able to ensure reliable fixation of the construction.

Most often, an adhesive bridge is placed in:

• the anterior region of the dental arch, where chewing load is minimal and aesthetics are of primary importance;

• the premolar area in the absence of significant pressure during chewing.

A Maryland bridge is used to replace one missing tooth provided that the dental arch is preserved on both sides.

Requirements for the supporting teeth:

• preserved anatomical shape or the presence of only minor fillings without extensive restorations;

• stable position of the teeth in the bone without mobility;

• absence of inflammatory gum diseases and pathological periodontal changes;

• sufficient enamel surface area for reliable adhesive fixation.

Compliance with these criteria allows achieving a predictable functional and aesthetic result and reduces the risk of premature failure of adhesive bridge fixation.

The placement of an adhesive bridge is an orthopedic procedure and does not involve surgical intervention. For this reason, in most cases, anesthesia or sedation commonly used during implant placement is usually not required.

The process of adhesive bridge placement typically includes the following stages:

• consultation with a prosthodontist, including a clinical examination, assessment of the supporting teeth and bite, and determination of the appropriateness of adhesive bridge prosthetic treatment;

• selection of the construction and material, taking into account aesthetic requirements and functional load;

• taking impressions or performing digital scanning of the teeth, based on which an individual prosthetic construction is fabricated in a laboratory;

• try-in and fixation of the bridge using special adhesive systems;

• bite evaluation, correction if necessary, and provision of care recommendations.

This step-by-step approach makes it possible to achieve a stable functional and aesthetic result without excessive intervention in healthy tissues.

Since the construction is fixed using adhesive techniques, following the dentist’s recommendations helps reduce the risk of premature damage or debonding.

For daily care, it is recommended to:

• brush your teeth twice a day with a soft or medium-bristle toothbrush using a non-abrasive toothpaste;

• pay special attention to the area where the bridge contacts the supporting teeth, carefully removing plaque;

• use additional oral hygiene aids, such as an irrigator or special interdental tools, which allow cleaning hard-to-reach areas;

• avoid excessive mechanical load on the adhesive bridge, in particular do not bite hard foods with it.

In addition to home care, regular preventive dental check-ups play an important role. The dentist assesses the condition of the bridge fixation, the supporting teeth, and the gums and, if necessary, performs professional cleaning or adjustment.

Following these recommendations helps maintain the functionality of the adhesive bridge, ensures comfort during chewing, and extends its service life.

The cost of placing an adhesive bridge depends on several factors, including the type of bridge, the material of the construction, and the scope of preparatory stages. For this reason, the price is determined individually after an examination and consultation with a prosthodontist. You can review the preliminary prices for medical services in Kyiv here.

To schedule a dental consultation and have an adhesive bridge placed in Kyiv at one of the clinics within the «Оксфорд Медікал» network, you can contact the call center by phone or use the online appointment form on the website.