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PORCELAIN‐FUSED‐TO‐METAL (PFM) ALTERNATIVES
Author(s) -
Donovan Terry E.,
Swift Edward J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of esthetic and restorative dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.919
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1708-8240
pISSN - 1496-4155
DOI - 10.1111/j.1708-8240.2008.00222.x
Subject(s) - gold alloys , crown (dentistry) , base metal , precious metal , forensic engineering , dentistry , metallurgy , materials science , engineering , medicine , metal , alloy , welding
ANSWER: There is no question that the rising price of gold and other precious metals has affected laboratory costs, and a recent survey of several dental laboratories clearly indicates that PFM restorations fabricated with high gold or high noble alloys are more expensive than base-metal PFMs and zirconia-core crowns. This fact, coupled with the aggressive marketing of a number of manufacturers, has resulted in many dentists switching from PFMs to the more economic options. Readers are cautioned that this should only be done after a careful evaluation of what they currently know about these alternatives. First, it should be unequivocally stated, based on available scientific evidence, that PFM (high gold or high noble) offers the best opportunity to provide patients with a crown restoration that is reasonably esthetic and to provide maximum clinical longevity. It has not been demonstrated that any all-ceramic alternative will provide the same potential life span as PFM. Thus, even though it may be slightly more expensive than the alternatives, it still should be offered to most patients requiring full crowns.