PFM Dental Lab

PFM Dental Restorations

Strength, Durability and Long-Term Performance

While zirconia and lithium disilicate restorations have become the preferred choice for many modern dental restorations, Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns and bridges continue to offer a reliable and proven solution in selected clinical situations.

PFM

Dental Restorations

About PFM Dental Restorations

PFM crowns and bridges combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain.

With decades of successful clinical use, PFM restorations have earned a reputation for strength, predictability and longevity. Although they are prescribed less frequently today, they remain an excellent option when durability and long-term performance are the primary considerations.
At Dental Creations, we believe in recommending the right restoration for each case, not simply the newest material.

Dental Creations

Why choose our PFM dental lab?

PFM restorations have been successfully used in dentistry for decades and continue to provide dependable clinical outcomes.

Excellent Strength
The combination of a metal substructure and porcelain layering creates a restoration capable of withstanding significant occlusal forces.
Predictable Results
PFM restorations offer reliable fit, function and durability, making them a trusted choice for many clinicians.
Cost-Effective Solution
For some patients and treatment plans, PFM restorations provide a practical balance between performance, aesthetics and affordability.

01.

Minimal Reduction

PFM restorations typically require minimal tooth reduction, preserving more of the patient’s natural tooth structure compared to other types of restorations.

02.

Durable

The metal substructure provides excellent strength and durability, making PFM restorations a reliable choice for restoring damaged or heavily restored teeth.

03.

Bio-Compatible

The metal substructure is typically made from biocompatible materials, such as gold or a non-precious metal alloy, which are safe for use in the human body.

04.

Aesthetic

The porcelain layer covering the metal substructure creates a natural-looking appearance that closely mimics the look of natural teeth, making PFM restorations an ideal choice for anterior restorations.

05.

Versatile

PFM restorations can be used for both single-tooth restorations and full arch bridges, providing a versatile treatment option for a range of dental needs.

Gold / Semi-Precious / Non-Precious

Types of PFM made by Dental Creations

Our PFM dental lab fabricates all three types to the same high clinical standard, giving dentists the flexibility to match the right material to each patient’s clinical and financial requirements.

Gold

Gold PFM crowns and bridges have a thin layer of porcelain fused to a gold substructure. The gold substructure provides strength and durability to the restoration, while the porcelain layer gives a natural tooth-like appearance.

Semi-Precious

Semi-precious metals like palladium, silver, and platinum are used for some PFM crowns and bridges. Though not as strong as gold, they still provide reliable strength and durability at a lower cost.

Non-Precious

Non-precious metals like nickel and chromium are used for some PFM crowns and bridges. At a lower cost than gold or semi-precious materials, non-precious PFMs have a reduced biocompatibility and durability. The porcelain layer is fused to the metal substructure, but may not have the same natural tooth-like appearance as gold or semi-precious PFM restorations.

When Is PFM Still a Good Choice?

Relevant in the Right Cases

Although all-ceramic restorations are now more commonly prescribed, PFM remains a valuable option in specific situations:

  • Bridges with limited occlusal clearance
  • Maryland Bridges

Our experienced technicians are always available to discuss material selection and help determine whether PFM, zirconia or lithium disilicate is the most appropriate choice for your patient.

Experience Matters

With over 40 years of dental laboratory experience, Dental Creations understands that every case is different.
While the majority of our restorations are now produced using zirconia and lithium disilicate materials, PFM remains an important part of restorative dentistry and continues to deliver excellent results when prescribed for the right indication.
We take pride in providing honest advice, dependable workmanship and restorations designed to perform predictably for years to come.

Specifications

Made for predictable clinical outcomes

At Dental Creations, our PFM restorations bring together quality materials, refined fabrication techniques, and the kind of hands-on craftsmanship that only comes with experience. Whether the case calls for robust strength, acceptable aesthetics, extended longevity, or a practical combination of all three, our PFM solutions are thoughtfully constructed to handle the realities of everyday clinical dentistry while delivering results that keep patients satisfied for the long haul.

The information provided in the above table is intended as a general guideline and for informational purposes only; for more specific and accurate details, please contact us directly.

Gold:
Gold Alloy

Semi-Precious:
Semi-precious metal alloy (palladium, silver, platinum)

Non-Precious:
Non-precious metal alloy (nickel, chromium)

Gold:
High

Semi-Precious:
High

Non-Precious:
Moderate to low

Gold:
High

Semi-Precious:
High

Non-Precious:
Moderate to low

Gold:
Resistant

Semi-Precious:
Resistant

Non-Precious:
Susceptible

Gold:
High

Semi-Precious:
High

Non-Precious:
Moderate to low

Gold:
Natural tooth-like appearance

Semi-Precious:
Natural tooth-like appearance

Non-Precious:
Variable, results may not appear as natural as gold or semi-precious

Gold:
$$$

Semi-Precious:
$$

Non-Precious:
$

About Dental Creations

Thirty years working alongside dentists. Learn who we are and what drives our work.

Restorative Dental Services

See the full range of what we produce and how we can support your practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turnaround times, materials, getting started. Our most common questions, answered.