Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) dental crowns & bridges

PFM crowns, also known as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, are dental restorations that combine the strength of a metal substructure with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain, providing both durability and natural-looking appearance. The porcelain covers the entire metal core, leaving no metal exposed, or a metal collar visible around the base. The metal core is fabricated from a variety of metals, chosen for their strength and/or biocompatible properties. PFM crowns require less retraction and smaller margins, making them an ideal choice for when there is minimal occlusal space.

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Explore all PFM crown offerings

Dandy offers a variety of different PFM crowns with various strengths, durability, and aesthetics.
Dandy PFM
Construction
Construction
Layered
Aesthetics
Aesthetics
Moderately Aesthetic
Available shades
Available shades
Custom Multichromatic
Margin Preparation
Margin Preparation
Chamfer or shoulder
Indicated Use
Indicated Use
Single unit, any length bridge, and maryland bridges
Risks
Risks
Cracking can occur on edges, can be brittle if a bridge
Base Material
Base Material
5 options

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When to use porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns

With the rise of zirconia since the early 2000’s, zirconia restorations are taking over the majority of the common indications for which PFMs would traditionally be used. However, PFM is still the preferred choice for restorative cases where there is minimal occlusal space, long or short VDO bridges, or when there is minimal distance for implants. 

porcelain fused to metal crown
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PFM crown FAQ

What % or karat of gold does Dandy use for PFM units?

We currently offer the following 3 options for PFM Gold units: PFM Gold – High Noble – Yellow (41%), PFM Gold – High Noble – Rich Yellow (88%), and PFM White – High Noble (60%). View more details and information on our PFM crowns here. 

Can doctors choose the type of collar at the gingival part of the crown for PFM crowns?

Yes, dentists can choose the type of collar at the gingival part of the PFM crown:

  • Porcelain Butt Margin: Porcelain is layered up until the base of the crown.
  • Metal Collar: Visible metal band that can be 180 or 360 degrees
  • Junction: Porcelain is layered up until the margin. There is a thin metal collar that is subgingival and not visible
How much reduction is needed for a PFM crown?

Due to the composition of PFM crowns, where the ceramic layer is so thin, reduction for PFM crowns is different than other restorative materials, with incisal or occlusal features, axial walls, and the shoulder needing 0.4 mm of reduction when using a shoulder or chamfer margin.

What is PFM?

PFM stands for porcelain fused to metal and details a type of crown material that’s been used in restorations since the 1950’s. Porcelain covers the entire metal core, leaving no metal exposed, or a metal collar visible around the base. The metal core is fabricated from a variety of metals, chosen for their strength and/or biocompatible properties.

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