The Maryland bridge retainer: A modification of a Maryland bridge

Preservation of the maxillary lateral incisor space after orthodontic treatment in an adolescent patient traditionally requires the use of a retainer with a lateral pontic, commonly referred to as a "flipper," which is minimally effective in the long term. This article illustrates a technique for chairside fabrication of a Maryland bridge retainer for semi-permanent retention. A stainless steel braided palatal wire is bonded to the anterior teeth. A pontic is then built intraorally with flowable composite, using the palatal wire as scaffolding. The retainer is maintained until the patient is of age for a more permanent restoration.