Unless you’ve dealt with receiving a dental crown before, you may not yet be familiar with PFM crowns. Good news: It might sound mysterious but we can explain very quickly. PFM simply stands for porcelain-fused-to-metal. This is a dental crown built on a metal base with a layer of porcelain baked over it. It’s like a porcelain and metal crown in one. In some instances, when patients come in need of a crown, we may suggest this solution over others (including all-porcelain crowns). Why, a PFM vs porcelain crown you wonder? Why not all porcelain all the time? Let’s explore some reasons!
If You Brux, which is better, PFM vs porcelain crown
Our team wants you to remember that when you’re selecting crowns for damaged teeth crowns for damaged teeth or crowns for a bridge and you’re someone who grinds your teeth or clenches due to bruxism disorder, this means you’re going to need some truly resilient, strong restorations. As a result, we will likely suggest PFM crowns for you to ensure you enjoy a restored smile that can withstand your current bruxism concern.
This Chicago patient had older fused to metal crowns done 10 years before coming to our office. It is common to see dark lines visible at the edges of a pfm. This darkness near the gumline is the exposed metal substructure. This smile makeover was done with ceramic crowns by a world class dental technician.
If You Want Optimal Strength
When your primary goal is optimal strength for any reason (perhaps you admit that you eat lots of hard crunchy foods and you have no intention of stopping), then choosing all-porcelain is not to your advantage. Is it strong? Yes. However, it’s not ideal for load bearing teeth, particularly when you expect there to be quite a heavy load. The placement of PFM crowns means you get the beauty of what appears to be a natural tooth with the serious strength and support that the metal base provides. Have questions about this solution? Simply bring them up during your next visit.
You Want Metal But Value Esthetics
Perhaps you’ve been receiving metal crowns your entire life and you’re simply accustomed to them. You’d like another metal crown but you are tired of the way that they look. Oftentimes, recession occurs around the crown and a black line will appear at the gum line. If this is the case, we may suggest that you continue enjoying your comfort level with this type of restoration (particularly because it does offer exceptional strength), while you receive the added benefit of porcelain. You enjoy a restoration that is both strong and beautiful!
All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic Crowns
Dr. Fondriest prefers to use lithium disilicate, as opposed to metal. Ceramic restorations are more aesthetically pleasing and can better mimic how the enamel of your natural teeth scatter and distribute light. Ceramic crowns often require less tooth reduction because they are thinner. This means they can match the translucency of your preexisting teeth, whereas metal or PFM crowns don’t usually do as good of a job with light reflection.
Emax crowns last a long time, but they are not all as strong as zirconia restorations or metal supported crowns. For this reason, Dr. Fondriest may suggest a zirconia crown for back teeth, where pressure is at its greatest. Recent studies show concern that monolithic zirconia may wear opposing teeth with long term use.
Learn which is better for you, a PFM vs porcelain crown
Come in for the restoration best suited to your smile when you need help with a damaged or missing tooth. Feel free to schedule a visit with Dr. Fondriest by calling Lake Forest Dental Arts at (847) 234-0517. We also proudly serve residents of Chicago and all surrounding communities in the Chicago Metro area.