What type of bridge is just retained on one side of the pontic?

A simple cantilever bridge is designed to be supported only on one side of the pontic, which is the false tooth that fills the gap left by missing teeth. This type of bridge is typically used when there is a tooth on one end of the gap but no adjacent tooth on the other end to provide support. The cantilever bridge extends from the supporting tooth, creating a lever arm that holds the pontic in place without additional support.

In contrast, fixed bridges require support from both sides, as they are anchored to natural teeth on either end. Dental implants involve the surgical placement of an artificial tooth root into the jawbone, providing a stable base for a prosthetic tooth, but they are not bridges in the same context. A Maryland bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge, uses metal or porcelain wings on either side of the pontic to bond to the back of adjacent teeth, thus offering support on both sides.

The cantilever bridge's design is particularly beneficial in situations where there is sufficient structural integrity in the supporting tooth and when aesthetic considerations make it desirable to avoid more extensive dental procedures.