Cantilever and Maryland bridges are two ways to replace a missing tooth using support from nearby teeth. A cantilever bridge is supported by one crowned tooth, while a Maryland bridge is bonded to the back of one or two adjacent teeth with “wings.” The best choice depends on bite forces, tooth condition, and long-term maintenance.
If you are missing a tooth, it is normal to want a solution that looks natural, feels comfortable, and does not require more dentistry than necessary. Many people also worry about “shaving down” healthy teeth, whether a bridge will feel bulky, and whether it might come loose later.
Two options that often come up in these conversations are cantilever bridges and Maryland bridges (also called resin-bonded bridges). They can both replace a single missing tooth, but they work in very different ways, and the “right” option depends heavily on your bite, the location of the missing tooth, and the condition of the neighboring teeth.
Below is a comprehensive guide that covers the gaps people commonly have when comparing these bridges, including what can make them succeed, what can make them fail, and what questions to ask so you can feel confident in the plan.
The quick difference in one sentence
- Cantilever bridge: A false tooth is held in place by a crown on one adjacent tooth.
- Maryland bridge: A false tooth is held in place by a bonded wing (or wings) on the back of adjacent teeth, usually with minimal tooth preparation.
That small structural difference affects everything: strength, invasiveness, appearance, hygiene, and the most common complications.
What is a cantilever bridge?
A cantilever bridge replaces one missing tooth by attaching the replacement tooth (the “pontic”) to a crown that is placed on only one supporting tooth (the “abutment”). It is called “cantilever” because it extends from one side, similar to a shelf bracket.
When dentists may consider a cantilever bridge
Cantilever bridges tend to be considered when:
- The missing tooth is in an area with lower biting forces (often in the front).
- The supporting tooth is strong and can safely hold a crown.
- The bite can be adjusted so the pontic is not taking heavy pressure.
- A two-sided bridge is not ideal due to the condition of the neighboring teeth.
What patients often like about cantilever bridges
- It can feel very stable because the support tooth is crowned.
- It can restore aesthetics quickly in the right situation.
- It can be a practical choice when only one neighboring tooth is suitable for support.
The key limitation
Because it is supported from one side, cantilever bridges can be more sensitive to bite forces and leverage. If the pontic takes too much pressure, the supporting tooth or the bridge can be overloaded.
What is a Maryland bridge?
A Maryland bridge (resin-bonded bridge) replaces a missing tooth by bonding a thin “wing” to the back of one adjacent tooth (single-wing design) or two adjacent teeth (two-wing design). The replacement tooth is attached to the wing.
This is the option many people bring up when they are trying to avoid “shaving down” neighboring teeth.
Why Maryland bridges are often described as “conservative”
In many cases, a Maryland bridge can be done with:
- Minimal preparation to the back of the supporting tooth or teeth
- No full-coverage crowns on the adjacent teeth
That said, “minimal preparation” does not mean “no planning.” Success is still strongly tied to case selection, bonding surface, and bite design.
What patients often like about Maryland bridges
- Often less invasive than a traditional bridge.
- Preserves more natural tooth structure in many cases.
- Many people report it feels normal day to day once they adjust, especially when designed well.
The most talked-about downside
The complication that gets mentioned most is debonding, meaning the wing can come loose. This is not always a “failure” in the sense of damage, but it can be frustrating if it happens repeatedly, and it usually needs prompt attention.
Cantilever vs Maryland bridges: side-by-side comparison
Tooth preparation
- Cantilever bridge: Usually requires a crown on the supporting tooth, which means more tooth preparation.
- Maryland bridge: Often requires minimal prep, focused on bonding surfaces rather than full crowns.
If your biggest fear is “drilling down healthy teeth,” it is understandable that a Maryland bridge feels more appealing at first glance. A dentist can help you weigh that against longevity and bite forces.
Strength and bite tolerance
- Cantilever bridge: Can be strong when designed correctly, but it concentrates forces on one abutment tooth.
- Maryland bridge: Can work very well in the right scenario, but is more sensitive to bonding conditions and bite design.
Neither option is “always better.” The missing tooth location matters a lot.
Most common complication
- Cantilever bridge: Overload on the support tooth or bite-related issues if forces are not controlled.
- Maryland bridge: Debonding of the wing, especially if the bite hits the pontic heavily or bonding conditions are poor.
Appearance
Both can look very natural from the front if the pontic is shaped and shaded well. The more meaningful appearance differences tend to be related to:
- Gum contour around the missing tooth area
- How the pontic contacts the gum tissue
- Whether adjacent teeth need visible restorations
Cleaning and maintenance
Both bridges require thoughtful cleaning, and this is one of the biggest areas where people feel overwhelmed at first.
A helpful reality check is that many bridge wearers only “notice” the bridge during cleaning, not during normal talking and smiling. That is often because flossing techniques are different around bridges compared to natural teeth.
Why some dentists discourage Maryland bridges
Patients commonly hear mixed messages like “Maryland bridges are fine” from one dentist and “we do not recommend those” from another. That disconnect usually comes down to a few practical factors.
1) Case selection matters more than people expect
Maryland bridges tend to perform best when:
- The missing tooth is in the front where bite forces are lower
- The supporting tooth has healthy enamel to bond to
- The bite can be designed so the pontic is not hit heavily
- There is good isolation and bonding technique during placement
When those conditions are not met, debonding becomes more likely, which fuels negative opinions.
2) Design differences: single-wing vs two-wing
A major “hidden” variable is whether the bridge is designed with one wing or two.
In plain terms:
- A two-wing design can run into issues because the two supporting teeth can move slightly differently under biting forces. That can stress the bond.
- A single-wing design avoids that two-tooth tug-of-war in some situations.
This does not mean two wings are always wrong, but it does explain why experiences and dentist preferences can vary.
3) Bite forces and habits like grinding
People who clench or grind can place higher forces on a bridge, especially on back teeth. If you have a history of grinding, discuss that early. In some cases, a dentist might recommend bite guards or consider different replacement strategies.
When a cantilever bridge can be a good fit
Cantilever bridges can be appropriate when:
- The missing tooth is in a lower-force area.
- One adjacent tooth is healthy enough for a crown and is structurally suitable.
- The bite can be adjusted so the pontic is not taking heavy pressure.
- You want a fixed option and the neighboring tooth already needs a crown.
A cantilever is not automatically “worse” because it uses one support. It simply needs careful planning to manage leverage forces.
If you are comparing bridges to other replacements, it may also help to understand how implants compare in function and long-term considerations. You can explore that in our overview of dental implants and what they can replace.
“Will it feel normal?” What real patients usually mean
When patients ask whether a bridge will “feel weird,” they are usually describing one of these concerns:
- Will it feel bulky behind the teeth?
- Will food get stuck?
- Will I talk differently?
- Will it feel like a foreign object?
Most adjustment issues improve as your mouth adapts, but comfort depends on:
- Pontic contour (how it contacts the gum)
- Bite balance (avoiding heavy hits)
- How smooth the edges are
- Your ability to clean confidently
If you want to avoid surprises, ask your dentist to explain how the pontic will be shaped against the gum and how you will clean it from day one.
Cleaning a Maryland bridge or cantilever bridge: what matters most
A bridge is not “hard to clean,” but it is different to clean. The goal is to keep the gumline healthy and prevent plaque buildup where the bridge meets the teeth.
Practical cleaning tools people commonly use
- Floss threaders
- Super floss designed for bridges
- Interdental brushes in the right size
- Water flossers as a helpful add-on
The most important point is technique. A quick conversation about how to clean the bridge can prevent the most common hygiene frustrations later.
Questions to ask your dentist before choosing
These questions directly address the most common doubts people bring up:
- How much will my neighboring teeth need to be prepared, and why?
- Is this missing tooth in a high-force biting area?
- Will the pontic take contact when I bite, or will it be protected from heavy forces?
- Is a single-wing or two-wing Maryland design being considered, and what is the reasoning?
- What is the most likely complication in my case, and what would we do if it happens?
- How will I clean under and around the bridge, and which tools should I buy?
- What changes in sensation should I expect in the first few days?
If your goal is to compare options with different providers in your area, you can start with the main Brightest Smiles Dentist Finder to review dentists and services near you.
Situations where neither option is ideal
It is also helpful to know when a dentist may recommend stepping away from these options. Common reasons include:
- The missing tooth is a back molar with high bite force.
- The supporting teeth have large fillings, enamel issues, or limited bonding surface.
- There is active gum disease or significant gum recession that needs to be addressed first.
- Severe bite issues or heavy grinding make debonding or overload more likely.
- The space or bite relationship makes pontic design unstable.
In those cases, dentists may discuss other approaches such as implants, removable options, or different bridge designs depending on the overall oral health picture.
FAQs: Cantilever vs Maryland bridges
Which bridge is less invasive, cantilever or Maryland?
A Maryland bridge is often less invasive because it commonly avoids full crowns on adjacent teeth and may require only minimal preparation for bonding. However, “less invasive” does not always mean “best,” since bite forces and bonding conditions can strongly influence long-term performance.
Do Maryland bridges always fall off?
No. Debonding is a well-known complication, but many Maryland bridges do well when case selection, bonding technique, and bite design are favorable. The risk is typically higher when bite forces are heavy or bonding surfaces are compromised.
Is a single-wing Maryland bridge better than a two-wing Maryland bridge?
In many cases, single-wing designs can be more predictable because they avoid stress from slight movement differences between two supporting teeth. That said, the best design depends on tooth position, bite, enamel condition, and the dentist’s plan for controlling forces.
Are cantilever bridges only for front teeth?
They are more commonly considered for front teeth or lower-force areas, but the decision depends on your bite, the supporting tooth strength, and whether forces can be managed. A dentist will assess whether a cantilever is appropriate for your specific tooth location.
How do I floss with a bridge?
Many people use floss threaders, super floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. The key is cleaning under the pontic and along the gumline near the supporting teeth. Ask your dentist to show you the technique right after placement so you feel confident at home.
When should I call a dentist after getting a bridge?
Call promptly if the bridge feels loose, your bite suddenly feels off, you notice persistent gum bleeding around the bridge, or you develop pain when biting. Early assessment can prevent minor issues from becoming bigger problems.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A dentist can help you compare options based on your bite, tooth structure, and long-term oral health goals.
