Metal-Ceramic (PFM)

Certified ceramics offering strength, aesthetics and value for money, with marginal integrity.
SCD PFM Metal Crown

Metal-Ceramic (PFM) Overview

Here at Southern Cross Dental, we provide porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations for crown and bridgework, with certified ceramics offering strength, aesthetics and value for money, with marginal integrity. A wide range of alloys are available to suit every possible scenario, unique to your patients’ needs. Whether your patient is hypersensitive or has allergies, ceramic and PFM crowns offer restoration with marginal integrity.

Strength and Aesthetic Benefits

  • PFM crowns and bridges offer strength, aesthetics and value for money, with marginal integrity and certified ceramics.
  • The PFM crown has a high bond strength between metal and porcelain, offering strength and durability for long-span bridges and is also bio-compatibile.
  • Another benefit of PFM for crown and bridge restorations is the aesthetics, blocking out discolouration of the underlying tooth structure. Hypersensitive or allergic patients can choose titanium, nickel or beryllium-free crown and bridge restorations, or noble and high-noble alloy copings.
  • PFM crowns can also incorporate precision attachments when appropriate.

Considerations

PFM crowns are currently used more sparingly for anterior restorations owing to the more aesthetic options available. Metal sensitivity is something to consider, though we have options available as alternatives.

The aesthetics can also be affected by inadequate tooth preparation and the fact that the colour stability can fade and become lighter over time, and it’s important to note that the restoration margins can become more exposed over time.

Economiser
(Non-precious)
Standard
(Semi-precious or
Non-precious)
Ultimate
(Semi-precious or
High-precious)
MaterialDentist’s ChoiceDentist’s ChoiceDentist’s Choice
Aesthetics✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Durability✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
MarginsShoulder/ChamferShoulder/ChamferShoulder/Chamfer
Flexural StrengthAlloy-dependentAlloy-dependentAlloy-dependent
IndicationsUniversal - Full Mouth, Crowns, Bridges, ImplantsUniversal - Full Mouth, Crowns, Bridges, ImplantsUniversal - Full Mouth, Crowns, Bridges, Implants
ColourInternal Effects, Customised Shading, Multi-layeredInternal Effects, Customised Shading, Multi-layeredInternal Effects, Customised Shading, Multi-layered
Bonding✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Stain Resistance✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Span/Ingot SizeSmall to LargeSmall to LargeSmall to Large