Metal-Ceramic PFM

 

 

PFM restorations are widely used as they offer strength, aesthetics, marginal integrity, predictability and excellent value for money.

A wide range of alloys are now available to suit every possible case scenario. Hypersensitive or allergic patients can have the choice of Titanium, Nickel and Beryllium-free or noble or high-noble alloy copings.

Ceramics employed are issued with US IdentCeram® certificates to verify the American Dental Association classification and content of the restorative materials.

Benefits

  • High bond strength between metal and porcelain
  • Strength for long-span bridges
  • Marginal integrity
  • Biocompatible
  • Aesthetics
  • Ability to block out discoloured underlying tooth structure
  • Can incorporate precision attachments where clinically appropriate

Considerations

  • Currently used more sparingly for anterior teeth given that more aesthetic options are available
  • Aesthetics (Inadequate tooth preparation can affect aesthetics)
  • Long-term colour stability (become lighter over time)
  • Exposure of restoration margins over time
  • Metal sensitivity

 

  Standard
(Semi-precious or
non-precious)
Ultimate
(Semi-precious or
high-precious)
Material Dentist’s choice Dentist’s choice
Aesthetics ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓  ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 
Durability ✓ ✓ ✓  ✓ ✓ ✓ 
Margins Shoulder/chamfer Shoulder/chamfer
Flexural strength Alloy dependent Alloy dependent
Indications universal universal
Colour ✓ ✓ ✓  ✓ ✓ ✓ 
Bonding ✓ ✓ ✓  ✓ ✓ ✓ 
Stain resistance ✓ ✓ ✓  ✓ ✓ ✓ 
Span/ingot size Small-large Small-large