5 Things to Know About PFM

​The Dental Lab ​fabricates high-quality porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations through computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, carefully layering porcelain to noble, white, or yellow alloys. The layers are expertly bonded with the metal interior, providing stability and strength while the porcelain provides a lifelike aesthetic. Here are five things to know about PFM restorations:

PFM restorations have been used for decades.
PFM crowns have been considered the gold standard for the repair of damaged teeth for decades. Since its invention in the 1960s, PFM restorations have been used successfully in dentistry for the fabrication of dental crowns and bridges. Through years of clinical use and success, porcelain-fused-to-metal is the dependable choice for restoration fabrication due to the metal interior's strength and durability.

PFM can be used for dental crowns or bridges.
Thanks to their mechanical properties, satisfactory esthetic results, and acceptable biological quality, PFM crowns are often used to restore teeth that are severely damaged or decayed. A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is a cap cemented over a natural tooth to protect it from further injury. Similarly, a PFM  bridge is used to restore missing teeth. The bridges are composed of two PFM crowns with an artificial tooth in the middle.

PFM provides aesthetics that are affordable.
Non-precious PFM crowns and bridges offer dental restorations that improve smiles, while also allowing patients to conform to a rigid budget. Despite possessing the high aesthetic quality of ceramics, PFM made with non-precious metals is much more affordable. Because they provide the best of both worlds when it comes to appearances and cost, they are highly popular.

PFM is extremely strong and durable.
Another benefit of using PFM for restorations is its durability. Besides aesthetics, PFM offers strength and resilience. PFM crowns and bridges are ideal for posterior teeth and can be recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth. The strength they provide also allows crowns of this material to last longer–about 10-15 years compared to all porcelain restorations.

PFM can be made using a variety of metals.
PFM restorations are highly customizable and can be fabricated from different metals, such as base metal alloys, titanium alloys, and gold alloys. Base metal alloys, like cobalt, and chromium are popular but can cause difficulties for people with metal allergies. Additionally, Titanium and gold alloys are similar, but gold is considered the preferred metal as they provide the most strength and durability, while not causing metal allergies.

How Can The Dental Lab Help?

​The Dental Lab is a proud provider of restorative dental products and services, including PFM crowns and bridges. Learn more about our porcelain restorative products here. View our products page for a greater scope of our restorative dental products and services. Contact us for further questions or concerns.

Keywords:
The Dental Lab, PFM,  porcelain-fused-to-metal , crowns, dental crowns, porcelain crowns, dental bridge