What is a significant disadvantage of resin bonded bridges commonly referred to as Maryland bridges?

The significant disadvantage of resin bonded bridges, commonly known as Maryland bridges, is the risk of debonding. This is primarily because these bridges are adhesively bonded to the abutment teeth, and over time, factors such as mechanical stresses from occlusion, moisture, and oral hygiene practices can compromise the bond strength. If the bond fails, the bridge may detach from the supporting teeth, necessitating repair or replacement.

In contrast to other options, while cost and aesthetic appeal are important considerations, they do not directly affect the functionality and longevity of the bridge as debonding does. Additionally, the bonding process does not involve permanent placement in the same way that a traditional fixed bridge would, so the permanent placement procedures are not a significant disadvantage in this context.