PFM Crowns

PFM Crowns have been used since the 1960's. The term stands for 'porcelain fused to metal" and they use a technology similar to the old-style, porcelain covered, metal camping mugs. Many different metal alloys can be used for these crowns, but ideally, a gold-based metal should be used to avoid corrosion and possible toxicity that can occur with base metals. At Brisbane Prosthodontics, we will only use high gold alloys in our PFM crowns.

The PFM crown is an excellent option for patients who are looking for a natural appearance to their tooth as well as durability. The gold alloy base provides an excellent fit to the underlying tooth structure, and the porcelain overlay finish completes the natural and aesthetic look of the crown.

A photo of the crown before it was fitted

Note how the outside of the crown is tooth-coloured, but the inside shows the strong base which has been made from gold

Photo of a PFM crown showing its gold base margin

PFM crowns can be made so that their gold base comes out to the edge as is the case in this photo, or so that the gold base is totally hidden

A gold base that is visible

This is a photograph of a PFM crown which has its gold base just visible at the gum line. It cannot be seen on smiling, but can just be seen when the patient holds their lip down and looks inside their mouth. We give our patients the option to have the gold base show, if they are seeking the absolute most perfect fit, and greatest longevity for their crowns

A gold base that is hidden

This is a photograph of four PFM crowns, where you cannot see the gold base at all. Their fits are still good, but perhaps (over the longer term) never as perfect as when the gold base comes right to the surface