5 Shocking Reasons to Ditch PFM Crowns
Kingsport, TN
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dental crowns are a traditional treatment for dental patients needing restoration work. However, as the dental industry improves, different restoration options become available to provide a better result. Today on the blog, our expert dental lab technicians at Premier Dental Arts share five shocking reasons to ditch PFM crowns so that you can provide the best restoration options for your patients.
What is PFM?
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns combine the two elements of porcelain and metal. A layer of color-matched porcelain overlays a dark metal component that could show near the gum line, especially when the patient has receded gums. Dentists commonly recommend PFM restorations for those who want strength yet have a natural-looking smile.
What is zirconia?
Zirconia is a component of zirconium, a metal substance in the titanium family found across the world. Because zirconia is a metal oxide, it boasts natural strength and durability, making it the perfect material for dental restorations. Additionally, patients needing posterior crowns will benefit from zirconia crowns as they provide strength to chew and grind food.
Why choose zirconia over PFM?
Even though both treatments have their benefits, zirconia continues to rise in popularity, while PFM restorations decline. Our knowledgeable dental lab technicians share more reasons why zirconia is a quality choice for dental crown restoration material.
- Exceptional Strength
Zirconia is approximately three times stronger than PFM or porcelain restorations. Therefore, zirconia is more resistant to chipping or cracking as it offers superior strength in durability. Monolithic zirconia blocks are a crown type that is virtually unbreakable and best to use in a harsh environment, such as the back of the patient’s mouth.
- Natural-looking smile
PFM’s have a metal layer underneath the porcelain. In some cases, the metal lining may be visible near the gumline when the patient speaks or smiles, potentially causing embarrassment. Zirconia crowns don’t have a metal lining, allowing the patient to smile freely. Additionally, zirconia crowns are manipulatable and can match the patients’ surrounding teeth’ size or shape for a seamless smile.
- Durability and Reliability
Even though PFM ceramic restorations are solid and durable, zirconia contains more stabilizers which provide additional strength and durability to withstand chewing and grinding forces. Typically, patients who invest in zirconia restorations can expect them to last a lifetime when maintained properly.
- Customization
Zirconia’s processing requirements and chemical composition allow the material to change color and shape. With a wide variety of customization options, your patient can receive restoration treatments that blend seamlessly with their smile.
- Safer for patients
Before placing fabricated PFM crowns, ask the patient if they’re allergic to alloys. If yes, zirconia crowns should be the proper treatment for the patient. Zirconia is a substance that possesses a high biocompatibility rating, and therefore, should not cause allergic reactions in patients with metal allergies, unlike PFM restorations.
Zirconium restoration history illustrates years of success while providing patients durability, strength, and true-to-life aesthetics. Although PFM crowns can be effective, zirconia crowns bypass them in benefits alone. Therefore, provide your patients with professional, long-lasting results with zirconia crowns. If you want more information about zirconia crowns from our dental lab experts at Premier Dental Arts or speak with an account representative, feel free to call us at (888) 732-5221 or contact us online.