Porcelain Fused to Metal

What is a PFM?

Porcelain Fused to Metal is constructed by CAD/CAM design/print the coping (formerly done by waxing), cast with metal (non-precious, semi-precious, or precious metal), and layer with porcelain powder. PFM restorations have been around for many years. Also, the procedure is known by other names, such as:

• Metal ceramic crowns (MCC)
• Porcelain fused to gold (PFG)
• Porcelain fused to white gold (PFWG)
• Palladium ceramic crowns (PCC)
• Porcelain fused to semi-precious (PFSP)
• Gold ceramic crown (GCC)

Clinically, it is still one of the most used materials in dental prosthetic restoration. As a high-end dental laboratory, we do not use nickel-containing alloys since some patients are allergic to nickel.

All our dental alloys are FDA-cleared and boast the best biocompatibility in the market today. We can supply dental alloy certification (IDENTALLOY). However, please let us know if your patient has any allergic reactions so that we can provide you with the most compatible alloys for your patients.

PFM For Long-Spanned Bridges

Our technicians are trained to fabricate porcelain fused to metal (PFM) restorations using the "textbook" formal method. The framework is critical, as the metal frame design is the foundation of all PFM restorations. Not only must it provide strong support but also the aesthetics of the crown by creating a uniformity of thickness between the porcelain layers, including the opaque, dentin, and enamel layers. If the metal design is not adequately fabricated, the porcelain design will not be precise. For this reason, we design our metal frameworks using CAD/CAM 3D technology to create the soundest foundation for PFM crowns and bridges.

Our technicians strictly follow the meticulous techniques taught in accredited dental technician education programs for porcelain layering techniques. We do not take shortcuts, even in layering porcelain powder. The shade of the final crown is built-in, not shaded over. Moreover, it allows the shade of the porcelain crowns to last for years to come, and not fade over time.

Although we do final glazing and shade correction, the base shade should come from the inside of the porcelain, not the outside.

Our premium porcelain produces teeth with a smooth surface. Therefore, tooth-to-tooth wear that can occur over time does not compromise your patients' oral care and health. This wear-resistance characteristic contributes to a longer lifespan. A smooth finish also means less plaque (or stain) buildup on adjacent teeth.

The indications for PFM restorations are for

• Individual crowns
• Anterior restorations with dark shaded dentin colors
• Metal posts
• Posterior restorations
• Implants
• Multi-unit bridges
• Full-mouth reconstruction
• And other restorations

In conclusion, The Art of Aesthetics, a high-end dental laboratory, believes porcelain fused to metal restorations combined with precious alloys is the best material for a long (multi-unit) spanned bridge. Let us know if you have any questions.