Are you looking for a realistic crown for your teeth? A PFM crown could be the perfect option. PF or porcelain fused to metal crowns are a popular choice with a metal core that makes them incredibly durable and strong. The outer crown is porcelain to provide a natural-looking appearance, helping it blend with your natural teeth. These porcelain crowns are less likely to discolour than others, making them ideal for anyone with tooth colored fillings or bonding.
PFM crowns are usually more affordable, too, and will work well as front or back teeth crowns. To help you see if they are the right option for you, we have detailed everything you need to know about PFM crowns, including their benefits, drawbacks, and treatment process.
PFM crowns have several benefits that make them an excellent option, including their affordable price and longevity. The benefits of the crown can vary depending on your needs, but we have outlined the main benefits you can expect below:
PFM crowns are incredibly durable, which makes them a popular choice as you won't need to worry about them breaking or wearing down. The metal core features wires that withstand chewing on any object, so you can eat anything worry-free! The strength and durability of PFM crowns allow you to use them for years as a permanent crown without needing regular replacements or adjustments.
PFM crowns can be cheaper than other crown options, making them a good option for those on a tighter budget. They will usually be cheaper than entirely porcelain crowns, providing the same realistic design without the hefty price tag. When choosing your crown, price is an important factor, but we offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost and access your dream smile.
Another benefit is the aesthetic appeal of PFM crowns which allow you to blend them in with your natural teeth. The porcelain front of the crown reflects light as natural teeth would, allowing you to create a natural looking smile. PFM crons can be matched exactly to your natural tooth colour for a seamless design and they can be used to address a range of cosmetic complaints, like gaps between your teeth or protecting teeth with cavities.
Despite their many advantages, there are some disadvantages of PFM crowns that you need to consider, including the metal exposure and the risk of wearing down opposing teeth. The main disadvantages of PFM crowns are detailed below:
PFM crowns feature a metal core usually encased in a porcelain casing. Over time, the porcelain coating can wear away, exposing the metal. When the metal is exposed to your gum line, it can cause a dark line at the base of the crown. This can be noticeable and reduce the aesthetic appeal of your new smile. Unfortunately, when this happens, the crown will have to be removed and replaced, leaving you with additional dental costs to consider.
The metal core also makes them an unsuitable option for anyone with metal allergies, and your dentist will be able to make alternative recommendations if you have a metal allergy.
The metal core can also cause wear and tear on other teeth in your smile, causing issues that will need rectifying. The issue is usually seen if you grind your teeth, and you should speak to your dentist about treating bruxism (teeth grinding) before having a crown installed.
The harder surface of the crown can damage adjacent teeth, causing additional dental work down the line to rectify this. You might expenrece hgher dental costs as you address these issues, so it is important to consider thee placement of the PFM crown and if any prior dental work is needed.
PFM isn't the only type of dental crown that we offer, and you must be aware of these other crowns to see which is right for you. When choosing a dental crown, you can choose from the following:
Porcelain crowns - are made entirely from porcelain, making them translucent and realistic. We can create the perfect shade to match your natural teeth, and the resistance to staining ensures longevity
Stainless steel crowns - are used as temporary solutions for adults and children
Resin crowns - are made with durable plastic and are very low maintenance, making them easy to care for
Gold crowns - are a popular choice for back teeth, providing durability and restoring normal tooth function for chewing
Zirconia crowns - are more opaque than other options and better suited to your back teeth
When choosing the right dental crown for you, consider the tooth you are covering and how you want your smile to look. PFM crowns are perfect for creating a realistic tooth without worrying about biting down on hard objects or chewing food. However, if you are worried about metal sensitivities, it might not be the right choice for you. You might want to choose an entirely porcelain crown for your front teeth or a zirconia crown for your back teeth. You can check out our range of dental crowns that we offer to see which is the right option for you. You can also book a consultation to speak to one of our dental professionals who will discuss your best options.
PFM crowns will cost between $1,000 and $2,000 per tooth, making them more affordable than other options. The cost will depend on the dental work required and how complex your case is, and the price is subject to change at any time. During your consultation with us, we will provide you with an accurate cost and cost breakdown if needed. We will also discuss your payment options and any other dental treatments we think are needed.
At Gorgeous Smiles, we know how important it is to achieve your dream smile, so we offer several payment options that allow you to spread the cost of your new crowns. You can choose to pay for your treatment over several months, with interest-free options available to you. You can learn more about our payment plans and application process here.
Our PFM crown procedure is similar to other dental crown procedures, so you can expect some overlap. There may be some differences depending on your specific case, but the treatment usually follows the steps below:
We begin every treatment with an initial consultation, during which we will discuss your goals with you and determine if a PFM crown is the right option. We will carry out oral exams and use X-rays to better understand your mouth. Should we think another crown is a better option, we will discuss this with you and any dental work that is needed before the crown is added.
Before a PFM crown is added, we will shape your natural tooth structure. This is to help preserve your natural tooth and remove any decaying areas that could cause the tooth to worsen underneath the crown.
When your tooth is shaped, we will take an impression of it using our digital scanner to create a 3D impression of your tooth. This allows us to create the perfect crown that fits your tooth. Most of our PFM crowns can be made in-house on the same day, but if we cannot, we offer temporary crowns, which will be fitted when we take the impression.
When your permanent crown is ready, you will be invited back to our practice. We will remove any temporary crown and permanently install your PFM crown, using dental cement to adhere it into place. Once attached, the crown will not move and will act as a natural tooth, restoring tooth function.
We will discuss your aftercare with you and make recommendations for your next dental appointment.
At Gorgeous Smiles, we pride ourselves on delivering excellent care to our patients and providing you with your dream smile without spending months receiving treatment. We do this through our award-winning staff and top-of-the-line technology, which are some of the many reasons why you should choose us for your PFM crowns. We have listed the main reasons why you should choose us below:
We are an award-winning team, winning Service of the Year awards and Best Dental Clinic in Melbourne
We offer a range of flexible payment plans so you can afford the treatment you need
We use cutting-edge technology, including our 3D scanner, to make digital impressions to ensure your PFM crowns fit perfectly
We have over 1,000 five-star reviews for our service, with customers raving about our friendly staff and attention to detail
We have been featured in Vogue and Foxtel for our fantastic service
Porcelain fused crowns are the perfect way to conceal decaying teeth and repair your smile, giving you a brighter smile you can feel proud of. With our treatment, you can expect the perfect fit and a natural appearance, without the need to change your underlying tooth structure too much. To start your journey to your perfect smile, book a consultation at our Melbourne clinic to see what your new smile could look like.
Porcelain fused crowns can last up to fifteen years, provided that you care for them properly. The average lifespan is between five and fifteen years, but customers have noticed their crowns can last longer if they are cared for properly. After fitting your porcelain fused crown, we discuss your aftercare procedures to ensure you can make your crown last as long as possible.
As PFM crowns feature a porcelain casing, they look very natural. Porcelain is pretty translucent, reflecting light like your natural teeth do, allowing the crown to blend in with your smile. We can also customise the shade of your crown to ensure it perfectly matches your natural teeth for a seamless smile.
PFM crowns are generally considered safe, but are not recommended if you have a sensitivity to metal. The metal core is not suitable for anyone with an allergy, and your dentist can make alternative recommendations instead.
Due to the porcelain composition, PFM crowns cannot be whitened. If you are looking to brighten your smile, you will need to whiten your natural teeth first, then we can select a shade of porcelain that matches your new smile, giving you a brighter smile to enjoy.
Your teeth might need to be shaped before the PFM crown is fitted but this will depend on the damage to your teeth. Most PFM crowns resemble the natural shape of teeth, so if your tooth structure remains intact, it is unlikely your tooth will need to be shaped. Your dentist will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.
PFM crowns are perfect for your front teeth. The metal core makes them sturdy, while the porcelain casing allows them to resemble natural teeth for a seamless smile. One of the advantages of PFM crowns is that they can be placed anywhere in your mouth.
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Disclaimer: every treatment has risks. The treatment posted on this page might not be appropriate for your oral environment. You need a full consultation with an Australian qualified dental professional before we can confirm if you are a good candidate for any treatments. Results vary from person to person. This page’s posts does not replace real life dental professional’s examination & opinion. We are a very experienced team of general dentists with special interests in different fields if dentistry. Learn more about the risks here.
