In the past, about 74.7% of Canadians have visited a dental professional. Many of these visits mainly include improving teeth through a porcelain-fused-to-metal-crown (PFM crown), which is a tooth cap used in prosthetic dental restoration processes. 

It can help people regain confidence if they have a chipped tooth, discoloration of teeth, damaged dental implant, and much more. 

Whether you have a similar issue or your dentist has recommended you get a PFM crown, learning about it can help you make an informed decision.

So let’s talk about everything you need to know about a PFM crown.

What Is A PFM Crown?

A PFM crown is a popular dental crown that is a combination of metal alloys and porcelain. The tooth crown is mainly made of a metal core which is then covered by porcelain to offer a natural tooth appearance.

It is one of the top choices of posterior teeth crowns as about 31% of dentists in Canada recommend a PFM crown. Dental professionals mainly suggest this material for a tooth crown based on its strength, capability to match the appearance of natural teeth and more.

What Metal Is Used In PFM Crown?

A PFM crown can be made from different metals which mainly determine the type and name of that crown. Let's look at the types of PFM crowns you can choose from based on their metal composition:

1.Base Metal Alloys

When a combination of base metals is used to form the metal core, the crown is called porcelain-fused-to-base-metal-alloys. The commonly used base metal alloys in these PFM crowns include:

• Nickel

• Cobalt

• Chromium

These metals are also called non-precious alloys because they contain a metal content of 25% or less.

2.Titanium Alloys

Titanium alloys are one of the top materials for a PFM crown, dental implant, and much more. They resemble noble metals which include elements such as gold.

They offer high durability to the crown and make it highly resistant to wear and tear. The best thing is a dental crown made of such an alloy is also highly affordable.

3.Gold Alloys

A gold alloy is a noble metal that is the best choice for a PFM crown. It has the highest strength out of all the metals used for the crown. The material also offers high durability and safety to patients.

Gold alloys are mainly a combination of tin, copper, and four noble metals:

• Gold

• Platinum

• Silver

• Palladium

The main advantage of crowns made of gold alloys is that they don't cause allergic reactions. Making a thinner crown is also possible with gold alloys so that the natural teeth structure of the patient can be preserved.

When To Get PFM Crown?

A PFM crown is a prosthetic restoration procedure that has specific indications. These include:

1.Structural Teeth Damage

If you're suffering from structural teeth damage such as a chipped tooth, you must get a dental crown. One of the top choices your dentist will suggest to you is a PFM crown.

A tooth crown is basically a cap that is placed over an existing tooth such as a chipped tooth. It will restore the size, strength, and function of your compromised tooth.

2.Improving Teeth Appearance

PFM crowns can also be used in teeth cosmetic procedures with specific indications for a crown. For example, a person having a tooth with black discoloration that is not visually appealing can get a PFM crown to restore the tooth's appearance.

Similarly, a person with a misshaped tooth due to trauma or other causes can get a PFM crown. The dental procedure will make the teeth of such patients naturally appealing without compromising on strength.

3.Replacing Old Dental Crown

A PFM crown can be used to replace older dental crowns of different materials. For example, you may have gotten a pure gold crown in the past for your damaged teeth.

However, you may now want a more naturally looking crown for your teeth. In such cases, you can visit your dentist for replacement.  

You can also get a PFM crown to replace an old crown that has deteriorated due to wear and tear.

How Is A PFM Crown Made?

A PFM crown is made by creating a teeth cap using a metal core. This is then covered by porcelain material for a natural tooth finish.

The metal core mainly contains a base of:

• Non-precious metal alloys

• Semi-precious noble metal alloys such as zinc, cobalt, gallium

• High-noble metal alloys which can be of yellow, white, or silver colours

PFM Crown Vs Zirconia: The Differences

People who usually require a tooth crown hear a lot about PFM crowns and zirconia crowns from dentists, family members, and other people. These materials mainly make up the top two choices for a dental crown.

So you may be confused about getting a PFM crown vs zirconia for your procedure. Here are the differences between them to help you make a better decision:

1.Material 

The materials used for a PFM crown vs zirconia crown are completely different. A zirconia crown is relatively new in the dental restoration industry. It is made of zirconium oxide that offers a translucent appearance to the tooth crown.

Zirconium oxide is a natural ceramic material that can be used for various dental processes such as covering large dental fillings. Meanwhile, a PFM crown is a mixture of porcelain and metal alloys. 

So a PFM crown includes more than one material for its preparation.

Also Read: https://www.kwcdental.com/blog/teeth-filling-costin-canada 

2.Indications

Most indications of a PFM crown vs zirconia are the same. For example, both can be used to cover chipped, discoloured, and misshaped teeth. They are also suitable options for restoring dental implants.

However, some indications for these materials are different. A zirconia crown is not used if a patient has a strong jaw or a tendency to clench their teeth at night. 

In such cases, a PFM crown is preferred over zirconia because the latter can cause damage to the opposing teeth.

A PFM crown is also a better option when bridge cases don’t have adequate vertical height required for zirconia connectors. So the indications of these dental crowns can be different based on every person’s teeth characteristics.

3.Strength

The strength of zirconia crowns is relatively more than that of PFM crowns. This natural ceramic material is more resilient than porcelain which is used in a PFM crown.

Zirconia crowns also show excellent results when used for covering teeth discoloration. That is because the translucency of the material offers a more natural tooth appearance.

A PFM crown has slightly less strength than a zirconia crown due to its mixed porcelain combination. However, that does not mean that a PFM crown is overall a weak material.

This tooth crown is still a top choice for many dental procedures and is preferred over zirconia in cases where patients have a long-span dental bridge.

4.Price

The cost of PFM crown vs zirconia is different due to their varying compositions and characteristics. Zirconia crowns are relatively newer, so they are more expensive than PFM crowns.

Meanwhile, PFM crowns have been in existence since the 1960s. So they are more affordable than the modern crown options.

The average cost of a zirconia crown in Canada is $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth, while a PFM crown in the same country costs about $600 to $2,500 per tooth.

Remember the exact cost will always depend on how many teeth you’re getting a crown for. The extent of teeth damage will also affect the cost of a dental crown.

Learn More: https://www.kwcdental.com/blog/dental-crown-cost-in-toronto 

PFM Crown Vs Zirconia: The Better Choice

Many people would tell you that zirconia is the better choice for dental crowns. However, that is not true. The top option of the crown will mainly depend on your teeth characteristics, prior dental conditions, and more.

For example, people with long-span bridges are better off with a PFM crown due to the extra stability offered by the metal structure. Meanwhile, a zirconia crown is preferred for people with bruxism because the material has a lesser tendency to fracture.

This is why, the better choice of crown will always depend on your teeth-grinding habits, jaw strength, and more.

Benefits Of PFM Crown

PFM crown has been in the dental industry for many decades. Its composition and materials have been improved with time to offer excellent results. So let’s look at some benefits of this tooth crown:

1.Visually Appealing

A PFM crown is highly appealing visually because of its close resemblance to natural teeth finishing. Porcelain offers translucency to the crown making it look like a regular tooth.

This is why many people choose it as a solution for chipped teeth and discoloured teeth.

2.Extended Life Span

The combination of porcelain and metal alloys offers PFM crowns high longevity. They are highly resistant to chips and fractures under forces, making them great for people with strong jaw and teeth-grinding habits.

A PFM crown is also used for posterior teeth often because of its long-lasting ability.

3.Highly Affordable

PFM dental crowns are highly affordable because the materials required to prepare them are easy to acquire. This feature also makes it possible for many people to get high-strength tooth crowns without breaking the bank.

Drawbacks Of A PFM Crown

A PFM crown is an excellent choice for prosthetic restoration of damaged teeth. However, that does not mean it is the perfect option for everyone. Here are some drawbacks of a crown PFM:

1.Black Gum Line

One of the disadvantages of a PFM tooth crown is that it may cause you to suffer from a black gum line. This will be visible when you smile at others while showing your teeth.

The line mainly appears because a person’s gums move down with aging. However, this problem can be solved by getting the crown with a gold alloy.

2.It May Cause Gingivitis

Oral cavity inflammation can occur with various types of dental crowns, but the chance of gingivitis is greater with a PFM crown. Redness and swelling of gums can help you identify this condition.

The good news is that you can reduce the chance of this drawback by investing in a high noble metal alloy for the crown base. That is because the body tolerates such metals better than non-precious and semi-noble alloys.

3.Higher Cost Than All Ceramic Materials

PFM crowns are less expensive than zirconia crowns, but they still cost more than all ceramic materials. The price is higher mainly because metal is more expensive than other ceramic options.

However, with higher costs, you can also expect better quality because crowns with metal alloys last longer than ceramic crowns.

FAQs

What Does PFM Crown Preparation Mean?

The process of shaping a tooth to accommodate a crown is called PFM crown preparation. Your dentist will remove enamel and decayed tissue from your tooth to shape it and then take its impression to prepare the crown in the shape of your tooth.

Is A PFM Crown Safe For MRI?

Non-magnetic PFM crowns are safe for MRI. If you’re getting another type of tooth crown, you should consult your dentist about the crown’s safety for MRI.

Does A PFM Crown Cause Pain?

PFM crowns don’t cause pain, but you may feel some sensitivity right after the procedure. However, that will subside quickly.

How Long Does PFM Crown Last?

A typical PFM crown lasts about 10 to 15 years. The exact length will depend on the user’s bite forces and oral hygiene such as flossing habits.

Read More: https://www.kwcdental.com/blog/how-to-use-a-water-flosser 

Get Your PFM Crown Today From KWC Dental At An Affordable Price

Whether you want to get your chipped tooth fixed or make your off-coloured teeth visually appealing, your best bet would be to get a PFM crown.

It is important to visit an experienced dentist for the crown to ensure painless recovery and long-lasting results. The good news is you don’t have to look far for such a professional in Canada.

Get in touch with us now to consult our experienced dentists about getting a PFM crown.