Replace a missing front tooth conservatively, beautifully, and without altering your healthy neighbors. Custom Maryland bridges from our team in Dublin and Pleasanton.
What Is a Maryland Bridge?
If you’re missing a front tooth and want to restore your smile without a dental implant or a traditional bridge, a Maryland bridge may be the right solution. Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bridge replaces a missing tooth using a custom-made false tooth (pontic) supported by thin “wings” that are bonded to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap.
At Dublin Corners Dental, we craft Maryland bridges for patients in Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and surrounding Tri-Valley communities who want a conservative, natural-looking option for filling a gap in their smile. Our team designs each bridge to match the shape, shade, and translucency of your natural teeth so it blends in seamlessly.
Unlike a traditional bridge, a Maryland bridge does not require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth. The wings are bonded to the back surfaces of the supporting teeth, leaving the front of your smile untouched. This makes it an especially appealing option for younger patients, those with congenitally missing teeth, and anyone who wants to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Signs You May Benefit From a Maryland Bridge
You may be a good candidate for a Maryland bridge if any of the following apply to you. Our Dublin dental team will evaluate your smile, bite, and overall oral health to determine the right course of care.
- Good oral hygiene and healthy gums around the supporting teeth
- Missing a front tooth due to trauma, decay, or extraction
- A congenitally missing tooth (a tooth that never developed)
- Looking for a more affordable alternative to a dental implant
- Not ready for or not a candidate for implant surgery
- Healthy teeth on either side of the gap that you don’t want to reshape
- A need for a long-term temporary while you complete implant treatment
- A bite that doesn’t place heavy pressure on the missing tooth area
What to Expect With Your Maryland Bridge
Getting a Maryland bridge at Dublin Corners Dental is a straightforward, comfortable process. Here’s what typically happens during treatment:
1. Consultation & Exam
We examine the area, evaluate the supporting teeth and your bite, and discuss your goals to confirm a Maryland bridge is the right choice for your smile.
2. Tooth Preparation & Impressions
We minimally prepare the back surfaces of the supporting teeth (often with little or no anesthetic needed) and take digital impressions so your bridge can be custom-designed.
3. Bridge Fabrication
Your bridge is crafted from porcelain or zirconia and finished to match the color and translucency of your surrounding teeth. A temporary may be placed in the meantime if needed.
4. Bonding & Polishing
At your final visit, we carefully bond the wings to the back of your supporting teeth, fine-tune your bite, polish the restoration, and review home care so you can enjoy your new smile right away.
Maryland Bridge vs. Traditional Bridge: What’s the Difference?
If you’re weighing your options for replacing a missing tooth, you may be wondering how a Maryland bridge compares to a traditional bridge. Both fill the gap with a custom false tooth, but they take very different approaches, and the right choice depends on which tooth is missing and the condition of the surrounding teeth.
A traditional bridge replaces a missing tooth by placing full crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap and connecting them with a false tooth in the middle. It’s strong, durable, and well-suited for the back of the mouth, where chewing forces are higher. The trade-off is that the supporting teeth must be reshaped significantly to make room for the crowns.
A Maryland bridge takes a more conservative approach. Instead of crowning the neighboring teeth, it uses thin porcelain or zirconia wings that are bonded to the back of those teeth. The result is a beautiful replacement tooth with minimal or no removal of healthy enamel. Maryland bridges are most often used in the front of the mouth, where chewing forces are gentler and aesthetics are most important.
The other key difference is reversibility. Because so little tooth structure is removed, a Maryland bridge keeps your future options open. If you later decide to pursue a dental implant, you typically have plenty of healthy enamel still intact on the supporting teeth.
Why Choose Dublin Corners Dental for Maryland Bridges?
Residents throughout Dublin, Pleasanton, and the Tri-Valley trust Dublin Corners Dental for restorations that are conservative, natural-looking, and built around their long-term oral health. Here’s what sets our approach apart:
Experienced Team
Our dental professionals have extensive experience designing and placing Maryland bridges and will guide you through every step of the process.
Individualized Care
No two smiles are alike. We design every Maryland bridge to match the shape, shade, and translucency of your natural teeth so the result is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
Comfortable Environment
We take extra care to ensure patients feel relaxed at every visit. Because Maryland bridges require minimal tooth preparation, most patients find the process surprisingly easy.
Insurance Assistance
Our team will verify your benefits and explain your coverage before your visit, so there are no surprises.
Serving Dublin, Pleasanton & the Tri-Valley
Dublin Corners Dental is conveniently located in Dublin, CA, making it easy for patients from Pleasanton, San Ramon, Livermore, and throughout the Tri-Valley to access conservative restorative care close to home. Whether you’re replacing a tooth lost to injury or addressing a tooth that never developed, our team is ready to welcome you.
We know life in the Tri-Valley is busy. That’s why we work to make every step of your Maryland bridge treatment as efficient and comfortable as possible, so you can restore your smile without disrupting your schedule.
Ready to get started or have more questions about Maryland bridges in Dublin? Contact us today to schedule your consultation or speak with a member of our team.
Our Reviews
People are talking
“The people at this office have blown away and far exceeded any expectations I had when I first started coming here. They are seriously the nicest people I’ve met, they are incredible at what they do, and they were even really kind and accommodating with my limited dental benefits… I moved away fairly far and I still drive all the way here because I refuse to change dentists. I cannot recommend Dublin Corners Dental enough. Seriously, you won’t be disappointed!!”
-Google Review
“From my first call, appointment and exit, perfect. State of art. Kind, gracious, patient, caring and informative. Staff and Dr. Shaghasi truly care. I am a nervous patient and was put at ease soon after my arrival. Facility is beautiful and clean. Highly recommend to all.”
-Google Review
“Dr. Shaghasi is one of the best dentist I have had in along time. She is always professional, thoughtful, friendly and ease to talk to. She takes her time and if you have questions she takes the time to answer them all. If you want the best professional care for your teeth I encourage you to make an appointment
and see for yourself.
-Google Review
“This is the BEST dental office and team I have ever had… They pay attention to every detail of their service, from the moment you walk in. The office layout and design is spa-like with a relaxing and welcoming vibe. The office is immaculately clean and they clearly invest in state of the art equipment. To top it all off, they are always on time and I am seen within a few minutes of arrival. I honestly couldn’t ask for more of my dentist and team.”
-Google Review
“The best dental office. I’ve been a returning customer for 10+ years. Everyone is very friendly and helpful, the doctors and specialists are all very skilled and experienced and give you a lot of confidence in their work, while they make you feel comfortable at all times. The new facility is beautiful and first class.”
-Google Review
“Dr. Shaghasi and her team are exceptional. Been with her since she started in Dublin many years ago. My four kids have tried several pediatric dentists and they all enjoy Dublin Corners Dental the best. Treatment plans are clear, anticipated costs are aways explained, and the experience is great.”
-Google Review
“Dublin Corners Dental came highly recommended from a colleague and they lived up to the glowing recommendation. The entire staff was so nice and welcoming, and that service has remained the same over the years. Any time I go they are so nice. I needed some dental work done but they didn’t push any extras and were very honest about what needed to be done and when. Rachel is the hygienist I typically see and I love her!”
-Google Review
“I didn’t know how good a dentist could be until I visited Dublin Corners Dental! The attention to detail is amazing. They take really good care of you and explain everything really well. You truly feel that the recommendations they are giving you are well informed. There’s a relationship of trust. Their new office is really new, too. Feels fresh and modern, everything is very clean. Plus they give you a care package with every cleaning!”
-Google Review
“My favorite dentist place! I wish I have chosen them long ago! Staff is so friendly and professional, new equipment, and I just loving coming there. During long procedures they can even give you a movie to watch. Amazing experience!”
-Google Review
“This dental office is unlike any I’ve been to in the past… Dr. Shaghasi always goes above and beyond to make me feel comfortable during my appointments and assure I am never in any pain while undergoing dental procedures. I never dread my dental appointments anymore ever since coming here. I’m so thankful to have found a great, trustworthy dentist and would highly recommend this dental office to anyone!”
-Google Review
“Nice office with friendly staff. I like the zen energy and use of advanced technology. The large tv screen above patients that shows what the dentist is looking at and referencing in your mouth is a nice touch- Along with other intentional efforts to make patients comfortable improve the appointment experience.”
-Yelp Review
“Dublin Corners is great – fantastic staff, techs, hygienists , and doctors. Highly recommended!”
-Google Review
“It’s pretty simple; if you’re looking for top-notch dental care in Dublin, Corners Dental is where you need to be. There’s a very human touch to their practice that you don’t find everywhere.”
-Google Review
“Our family have been to Dublin Corners for over 10 years and we are always happy with the level of care. Even when our plans is out of network, we still rather pay out of pocket rather than going to another dental office.”
-Yelp Review
“As a person who has had terrifying experiences at the dentist office, I’ve never felt so at ease or have had more pleasant experiences than here at Dublin Corners Dental… Dr. Shaghasi makes me feel so comfortable and does exceptional work I actually look forward coming in! She makes me feel so at ease and I’m thankful to her and all of the staff for making us feel so welcome and providing the most pleasant experiences!”
-Yelp Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Maryland bridge?
A Maryland bridge is a type of dental bridge that uses a custom false tooth (pontic) supported by thin wings bonded to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap. It’s a conservative option for replacing a missing tooth (typically a front tooth) without grinding down the neighboring teeth.
How is a Maryland bridge different from a regular bridge?
A traditional bridge requires the supporting teeth to be significantly reshaped so that full crowns can be placed over them. A Maryland bridge only requires minimal preparation on the back surfaces of the supporting teeth, where the wings are bonded. This preserves more of your natural tooth structure and is often a better choice for front teeth.
How long does a Maryland bridge last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a Maryland bridge can last many years. Lifespan varies based on bite, habits like nail-biting or teeth grinding, and the health of the supporting teeth. Your Dublin Corners Dental provider can give you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
Will getting a Maryland bridge hurt?
Most patients tolerate the process very well. Because tooth preparation is minimal, many appointments require little or no anesthetic. If you have any sensitivity, we can use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Just let us know your concerns.
Does dental insurance cover Maryland bridges?
Many dental insurance plans include coverage for Maryland bridges, though benefits vary. Our team is happy to verify your coverage before your appointment and walk you through your out-of-pocket costs so you can plan ahead.
Can a Maryland bridge be used to replace any tooth?
Maryland bridges work best for front teeth, where chewing forces are gentler and aesthetics matter most. They are generally not recommended for molars, which absorb much higher biting forces. If you’re missing a back tooth, we’ll discuss alternatives like a traditional bridge or a dental implant that can better handle the demands of that area.
After attending a top dental school – University of the Pacific, volunteering at the Samaritan House Dental Clinic, and practicing since 2001, Marjan has opened her own dental office, Dublin Corners Dental. When she’s not serving her patients, Marjan plays an active role in her family life, spending time with her husband and two boys. She also finds time to riding her bike, running, and doing yoga.
