TL;DR: Everything about PFM Crowns
- PFM crowns blend metal strength with porcelain crown aesthetics, ideal for back teeth, withstanding up to 200 pounds of chewing force
- Ranges from $800-$1,500 versus $1,000-$2,000+ for all-ceramic crowns.
- Best for molars and premolars: The metal component may create a visible line at the gum over time
What is a PFM Crown?
A Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal crown (PFM) is a treatment that uses a two-layer design: an inner metal shell that provides structural support, and an outer porcelain crown layer that’s carefully matched to your natural teeth.
At Le Sueur Family Dental, we’ve placed 1000+ PFM crowns for patients throughout Le Sueur County, helping them restore damaged teeth with reliable, time-tested technology.
How Does a PFM Crown Treatment Work?
Getting a PFM crown at Le Sueur Family Dental requires two visits.
During your first appointment, we numb the area, reshape your tooth, and use digital impression technology to capture measurements. The scans are then forwarded to our Minnesota dental laboratory where a custom crown is created. You will be given a temporary crown while you wait.
At the second visit, we remove the temporary crown, check your custom PFM crown for fit and color match, and permanently cement it in place. Most patients report minimal discomfort and return to normal activities immediately.
5 Key Advantages of PFM Crowns
Notable for their strength and unique blend of technology, PFM crowns have the following advantages:
- Strength and Durability: The metal substructure provides superior strength compared to all-ceramic options. If you’re recommended a restoration, it’s usually time to scale back on those corn-on-the-cobs and caramel apples. However, a PFM crown’s durability means eating confidently without worry.
- Cost-Effective: PFM crowns cost $800-$1,500 per tooth versus $1,000-$2,000+ for all-ceramic options. At Le Sueur Family Dental, we work with most insurance plans, which typically cover a majority of crown costs after your deductible.
- Proven Benefits: PFM crowns have been around for five decades. That makes them a time-tested solution.
- Ideal for High-Stress Areas: The metal foundation makes PFM crowns perfect for molars and premolars bearing the brunt of chewing forces. They can withstand up to 200 pounds of chewing force. If you grind your teeth, the reinforced structure offers superior fracture protection.
- Versatile: PFM crowns can work for single tooth restorations, dental implant crowns, multi-unit bridges, and full-mouth reconstructions.
What are the Disadvantages of PFM Crowns?
Although there are notable benefits, PFM crowns come with certain disadvantages to consider:
- Visible Metal: There is potential for a dark line at the gum line as gums naturally recede.
- Potential Wear on Opposing Teeth: Porcelain can be harder than natural enamel, potentially causing excessive wear.
- Porcelain Chipping Risk: While the metal base is extremely durable, the porcelain layer can chip under excessive force.
- Metal Allergy Concerns: Though rare, some patients have metal sensitivities, particularly to nickel.
How PFM Crowns Compare to Other Options?
PFM crowns are a fairly standard choice. Here’s how they compare to other restorative options:
- All-Ceramic Crowns offer great aesthetics with no metal use. Light passes through the teeth in a manner that’s as close to real teeth as possible. However, they may not match PFM strength for posterior teeth. They’re best for front teeth and patients prioritizing appearance.
- Gold Crowns last 20-30+ years and are gentle on opposing teeth. However, their metallic appearance isn’t the go-to choice for patients looking for something discreet. They’re best for back molars because of this.
- Zirconia Crowns combine strength with a natural final look. They have no metal component and resist chipping well. However, they’re more expensive than PFM and may require more tooth reduction. They’re best for patients wanting both strength and a discreet finish.
Restore Your Confidence
PFM crowns remain an excellent choice for those seeking durable, cost-effective tooth restoration (particularly for molars and premolars). Of course, the best crown choice depends on your tooth’s location, bite force, aesthetic priorities, budget, and overall oral health.
At Le Sueur Family Dental, we evaluate all these factors to recommend the restoration that meets your individual needs. We’ve served Le Sueur County families for years with comprehensive, compassionate care.
Call today at (507) 665-6812 or schedule your first appointment online with the best dentist in Le Sueur.
We accept varied insurance plans and offer flexible payment options for your ease.
FAQs
With proper care, PFM crowns last 10-15 years, though we’ve seen many of our patients at Le Sueur Family Dental enjoy 20+ years of service. Longevity depends on oral hygiene habits, bite forces, teeth grinding, and the tooth’s location.
For many patients, yes. PFM crowns often outperform all-ceramic options for molars due to superior strength and fracture resistance. The metal substructure withstands intense chewing forces (up to 200 pounds per square inch) without porcelain fracture risk.
Technically, yes. We typically don’t recommend it for highly visible teeth. The metal substructure can create a dark line at the gum line that becomes more noticeable as gums recede. For front teeth where appearance can be a concern, we usually recommend all-ceramic or zirconia crowns. However, if extreme strength is needed due to heavy bite forces, a PFM crown may still be the best functional option.
