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:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are known for their excellent mechanical properties, highly aesthetic results, and biocompatibility. These restorations are created an underlying metal framework and layers of opaque porcelain. They offer an outstanding balance between resilience and aesthetics with the metal framework providing long-term durability and the porcelain providing seamless integration with the natural teeth. Today, PFM is still a popular choice for dental professionals. This is owed to the combination of strong metal and life-like aesthetics. 

PFM crowns and dental bridges can be used to:

• ​To restore tooth structure;
• To protect a tooth that is broken or damaged.;
• To restore a decayed tooth with too much damage to support a new filling;
• To anchor a dental bridge;
• To mask tooth discoloration.

​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.

Dental porcelain comes in a variety of shades and translucencies. With the skilled hand of a dental technician, the PFM crown or bridge can easily mimic the natural teeth. PFM restorations are suitable for all areas of the mouth, including anterior regions.

​PFM IS EXTREMELY STRONG AND DURABLE

​Another benefit of using PFM for restorations is its durability. Besides aesthetics, PFM offers strength and resilience. The underlying metal makes the crown stronger and more stable and also enhances bonding to the teeth. Clinical research has found that PFM restorations can last for multiple years because of the combined strength of the alloys and ceramic.

​PFM crowns and bridges can be 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.

Dental Lab Near Me

Looking for local dental labs that specialize in crown and bridge services? The Dental Lab is a leading dental lab in the United States. We deliver all over the nation with our fast and reliable shipping services, making us a dental laboratory near you--no matter where you are.

​The Dental Lab makes 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.

Sources:
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns versus All-ceramic Crowns: A Review of the Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness
Dental Laboratories in the US​

Keywords:
The Dental Lab, porcelain fused to metal,  porcelain fused to metal crown, porcelain fused to metal crowns, dental lab near me, crown and bridge, local dental labs, dental laboratory near me