What term describes a fixed partial denture featuring conservative retainers?

What term describes a fixed partial denture featuring conservative retainers?

• A. Maxilla
• B. Maryland bridge
• C. Molar
• D. Overdenture

Answer: (B)

A resin-bonded fixed partial denture, commonly called a Maryland bridge, is designed to be conservative because the adjacent teeth require little to no reduction. The prosthetic pontic sits in the gap and is bonded to the backs (lingual or palatal surfaces) of the neighboring teeth with adhesive cement, using slim metal or ceramic wings. This bonding approach preserves most of the tooth structure, which is why it’s described as having conservative retainers and is especially popular for replacing one or two missing anterior teeth. The other terms don’t fit because they don’t describe a fixed partial denture with minimal tooth preparation: the maxilla is a jaw bone, not a prosthesis; a molar is a type of tooth; and an overdenture is a removable denture that fits over prepared roots or implants, not a minimally prepared, bonded bridge.

A resin-bonded fixed partial denture, commonly called a Maryland bridge, is designed to be conservative because the adjacent teeth require little to no reduction. The prosthetic pontic sits in the gap and is bonded to the backs (lingual or palatal surfaces) of the neighboring teeth with adhesive cement, using slim metal or ceramic wings. This bonding approach preserves most of the tooth structure, which is why it’s described as having conservative retainers and is especially popular for replacing one or two missing anterior teeth.

The other terms don’t fit because they don’t describe a fixed partial denture with minimal tooth preparation: the maxilla is a jaw bone, not a prosthesis; a molar is a type of tooth; and an overdenture is a removable denture that fits over prepared roots or implants, not a minimally prepared, bonded bridge.