Porcelain Fused To Metal

What Is A PFM Restoration?

Porcelain fused to metal, or PFM restorations have been a standard in restorative dentistry for more than three decades. During that time, dentists around the world have adopted PFM crowns and bridges due to the versatility for use, as well as their ability to be matched to surrounding teeth. PFM crowns provide an excellent balance between resilience and esthetics. The underlying metal portion of the restorations provides long-lasting durability while the porcelain outer layer delivers a natural-looking appearance.

Materials Used to Manufacture PFM Restoration?

Generally, there are three different categories of dental alloys used when fabricating PFM crowns: non-precious, semi-precious, and high noble. Non-precious alloys are sometimes called base metals with a noble metal content of less than 25%. These metals often contain large percentages of cobalt, nickel, chromium, or beryllium. Semi-precious alloys have at least 25% noble metal content. Precious metal alloys have over 60% noble metal content which includes gold, platinum, or palladium. A precious metal alloy contains 40% gold. Metal substructures are layered with feldspathic porcelain.

Why Choose PFMs?

The reliability of PFM restorations is well documented, and millions of restorations have been placed worldwide. PFMs are known to last for 30 years when utilized in the correct situations and with good patient hygiene.

Characteristics of a PFM Restoration

  • PFMs are strong and are suitable for use in all areas of the mouth and in most clinical situations
  • Clinical success of PFM restorations has been proven through long-term research
  • Clinical research has shown that single PFM crowns will last for many years, and three-unit PFM bridges also have a relatively long lifespan
  • PFM crowns and bridges provide relatively good esthetics, especially during the first few years
  • Precision attachments can be used with PFMs, while zirconia restorations have not yet achieved this ability
  • PFM restorations can be used for long-span bridges and have proven to be an effective material choice in the longer term

Potential Problems with Using PFM Crowns

While the reliability and durability of PFMs are beyond question, it can be difficult to create highly esthetic restorations because of the metal substructure. The substructure must be masked with opaque and may remain slightly visible even after layering with porcelain. Opaque also prevents light from passing through the restoration as it would with a natural tooth. Another potential problem with PFM restorations is gum recession. Over time, as gum tissue recedes, the metal margin of the PFM is exposed, creating a grayish colored line that isn’t esthetically pleasing. One way to overcome this problem is to use a porcelain margin, but this may not always be a practical solution. PFM crowns are layered with feldspathic porcelain, which is a relatively weak material that wears opposing teeth at a very high rate. This can be a problem when restoring teeth in bruxers.

Our experienced team of seasoned experts are here to assist you should you wish to discuss a case in more detail.

The warmth and esthetics of gold remain a popular choice forboth doctors and patients alike. CDS Dental Studio’s talented technicians sculpt exquisite PFM restorations to your specifications for superb fit and occlusion. Our gold alloy copings provide natural looks that mask discoloration, while the ceramic yields margins and contour that blend with surrounding dentition without any gray to give it away.

Attention to detail from the pouring of the models to the trimming of the dies under a microscope, to the final polishing of the gold collars, are all accomplished with great care by each CDS Dental Studio technician. PFM crowns offer a perfect balance between the strength of a full-cast crown and the esthetics of an all-ceramic, and we fabricate each PFM to exacting details.

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