Description

Here's a detailed product description for PFM Crowns in Markdown format:

PFM Crowns: The Proven Standard in Restorative Dentistry

Overview

For decades, Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) crowns have been a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, offering a reliable and versatile solution for repairing damaged teeth. PFM crowns ingeniously combine the strength and durability of a metal substructure with the natural esthetics of porcelain, providing a time-tested balance of function, beauty, and cost-effectiveness. Our PFM crowns are meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional marginal integrity, a precise fit, and a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with the patient's dentition.

Key Features & Benefits

• Exceptional Strength & Durability: The robust metal substructure provides unparalleled resistance to fracture and wear, making PFM crowns ideal for posterior teeth and long-span bridges, especially in areas of high occlusal stress.
• Reliable Esthetics: A meticulously layered porcelain veneer mimics the natural translucency and shade of surrounding teeth, ensuring a pleasing esthetic outcome.
• Predictable Performance: With a long clinical track record, PFM crowns offer predictable longevity and performance, minimizing the risk of complications.
• Versatile Material Options: Available with various metal alloys (High Noble, Noble, Base Metal) to suit specific clinical needs, patient preferences, and budgetary considerations.
• Excellent Marginal Integrity: Our precise manufacturing processes ensure an accurate fit at the margin, crucial for preventing microleakage and secondary caries.
• Biocompatibility: Utilizing high-quality, biocompatible alloys and dental porcelains, our PFM crowns are designed for optimal tissue health.
• Cost-Effective Solution: PFM crowns often present a more economical option compared to some all-ceramic alternatives, without compromising on strength or esthetics for many indications.

Indications

PFM crowns are highly versatile and indicated for a wide range of restorative needs, including:

• Single unit crowns on anterior and posterior teeth.
• Fixed Partial Dentures (bridges) of varying spans.
• Abutment crowns for removable partial dentures (RPDs).
• Crowns over dental implants.
• Cases requiring maximum strength and resistance to fracture.
• Situations where cost-effectiveness is a primary concern.

Material Options

We offer PFM crowns with a choice of metal substructures to meet diverse clinical and patient requirements:

1. High Noble Alloy (Gold-Platinum/Palladium)

• Composition: Typically contains 60% or more noble metal (gold, platinum, palladium), with at least 40% gold.
• Benefits: Superior biocompatibility, excellent castability for precise fit, rich yellow hue (often masked by opaque porcelain), high corrosion resistance.
• Ideal For: Patients with sensitivities, those seeking the highest quality and longevity.

2. Noble Alloy (Palladium-Silver/Palladium-Copper)

• Composition: Contains at least 25% noble metal (primarily palladium).
• Benefits: Good balance of strength, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Good casting properties.
• Ideal For: General use where high noble is not required but excellent properties are desired.

3. Base Metal Alloy (Nickel-Chromium / Cobalt-Chromium)

• Composition: Less than 25% noble metal. Primarily nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium.
• Benefits: Exceptional strength, very high hardness, highly economical.
• Considerations: Higher stiffness, potential for nickel allergy (though rare with modern alloys and proper patient screening), requires specific bonding agents for porcelain.
• Ideal For: Cases where extreme strength is paramount and budget is a key factor, provided patient has no known metal sensitivities.

Porcelain Layer

• Utilizes advanced feldspathic or leucite-reinforced porcelains compatible with chosen alloys, ensuring excellent bond strength, esthetics, and color stability.
• Available in all standard VITA Classical and VITA 3D Master shades, with custom shading available upon request.

Technical Specifications

• Metal Thickness: 0.3 - 0.5 mm
• Porcelain Thickness: 1.0 - 1.5 mm (facial), 1.0 mm (lingual/occlusal)
• Overall Thickness: Minimum 1.3 - 2.0 mm
• Shade Matching: Precisely matched to VITA Classical or 3D Master shades.
• Margin Design: Recommended deep chamfer or shoulder with a rounded internal line angle for optimal esthetics and strength.

Preparation Guidelines

For optimal results, we recommend the following tooth preparation guidelines:

• Axial Reduction: 1.0 - 1.5 mm (1.2mm preferred)
• Occlusal Reduction: 1.5 - 2.0 mm
• Margin: Deep chamfer or shoulder with a rounded internal line angle. A 1.0 - 1.2 mm width is ideal. Ensure a continuous, smooth, and distinct finish line.
• Taper: 6-10 degrees total occlusal convergence.
• Line Angles: All internal line angles should be rounded to prevent stress concentrations.
• Surface Finish: Smooth, with no sharp edges or undercuts.

Cementation

PFM crowns can be cemented with a variety of conventional and resin-modified cements:

• Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements (RMGIC): Ideal for excellent retention, fluoride release, and ease of use.
• Zinc Phosphate Cements: A traditional choice offering good strength and a long clinical history.
• Polycarboxylate Cements: Provide good adhesion and are gentle on the pulp.
• Self-Adhesive Resin Cements: Offer high bond strength and ease of cleanup, particularly useful for shorter preparations.

Ordering Information

To order PFM Crowns, please submit the following to our lab:

• Accurate Impression: High-quality master impression (PVS, polyether, or digital scan) of the prepared arch.
• Opposing Arch Impression: Or digital scan.
• Bite Registration: Accurate interocclusal record (wax, silicone, or digital).
• Shade Selection: Clearly specified VITA Classical or 3D Master shade (A-D or 3D). Please provide custom shade photos if available.
• Prescription Form: Fully completed with all relevant patient and case details, including alloy preference.

Guarantee

Our PFM Crowns are manufactured with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship and are backed by our comprehensive warranty. Please refer to our lab's warranty policy for full details.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance and educational purposes only, and does not constitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified dental professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations based on individual patient needs and clinical judgment.