Ceramic Restorations vs Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)

There was always this old adage that the health of our teeth is correlated with how healthy we are. It is always nice to smile and know that you are showing off a healthy set of pearly whites. This is why when undergoing cosmetic dental procedures, people want to know what the healthiest and most aesthetically pleasing option for their teeth is

A long standing debate is whether all ceramic restorations is better or worse than PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crowns. It has been proven that while there are some benefits and cons to both options, all ceramic restoration is more advantageous than PFM crowns.

To understand why all ceramic crowns are a better option than PFM crowns, we need to know what each one is.

All Ceramic Crowns: is a crown that is made from different types of ceramic and provides a more natural coloring for the tooth.

Porcelain Fused Metal Crowns (PFM): is a metal tooth crown that is covered with a thin layer of porcelain. Often the porcelain does not cover the bottom layer of the tooth.

When comparing PFM to all ceramic, it is clear that all ceramic is more beneficial. Here are some of the reasons why.

How PFM and all ceramic crowns are similar:

• PFM crowns have a good color match similar to all ceramic crowns.
• PFM crowns are very durable and have a similar lifespan compared to all ceramic crowns.

How PFM and all ceramic crowns differ:

One of the main things that are turning people away from PFM crown is the desire to minimize the amount of metal in the mouth. Here are other reasons why all ceramic crowns is the better option when compared to PFM.

• The presence of metal in PFM crowns can be a cause of concern for people with metal allergies. All ceramic crowns do not contain any metals which makes it a good substitute.
• For those who have TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) or excessively grind their teeth, the pressure might cause the bond between the metal and the porcelain to crack, creating an undesirable appearance to the tooth.
• If you suffer from receding gums, the metal around the edge of a PFM crown can become visible, which is considered unappealing. All ceramic crowns do not have this problem as they are equal in color in all parts of the tooth.
• PFM crowns cannot transmit light through the crown because of the opaqueness of the metal and the porcelain, this can cause the tooth to look dull and unnatural in appearance. All ceramic crowns allows for light transmission which can make the tooth brighter and more natural looking in appearance.
• PFM crowns are now more expensive because of the rise in cost for metals which makes all ceramic crowns the more cost effective option.

While PFM crowns match all ceramic crowns in color matching and the long lasting lifespan, all ceramic crowns are more advantageous in terms of aesthetic appearance and for those suffering from metal allergies, TMJ and/or excessive grinding. All ceramic crowns simply provide more options for a better smile.