DENTAL CROWNS

PORCELAIN – METAL CROWNS

A Porcelain Fused to Metal crown consists of a dark coloured metal base and white porcelain layers on top of this base. PFM Dental Crowns were the gold standard for aesthetic cases once upon a time. However, in the last few years, they lost their seat to Porcelain Fused to Zirconia Crowns. The black alloy base of PFM crowns which is masked by opaquer materials may prevent achieving a natural look for the crown. Even though there are more aesthetic options available, they are still the first choice of most of the dental clinics because of their durability and cost effectiveness.

Considering the availability of more aesthetic options, PFM Dental Crowns should be used for;

• Restoring molar teeth
• As a bridge in partially edentulous (without teeth) areas with up to 2 missing teeth.
• Smile makeover cases when PFZ crowns are not an option.
• Teeth with large cavities.
• Supporting a weak tooth after root canal treatment.

The metal base can be prepared either on CAD/CAM devices or handmade in dental lab by a dental technician. Once the metal base is ready, the porcelain application process starts which will be a hand-work of dental technicians. Porcelain fused to metal crowns can be prepared within as short as 4 days.

WHAT ARE THEIR ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES?

Advantages of Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns:

• High Durability
• They can be used in longer partially edentulous jaws than other dental crown options.
• More affordable than other aesthetic options.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns:

• Requires extra tooth tissue removal.
• Requires manual preparation.
• There are more aesthetic options for front teeth.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF PORCELAIN – METAL CROWNS?

Dentists expect PFM crowns to last for 10 to 15 years. We have patients who use their PFM crowns for more than 20 years. Oral hygiene maintenance is very crucial for the life expectancy.