How PFM crowns are made?

A PFM crown, or Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal crown, is a type of dental crown that combines the strength and durability of a metal substructure with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are commonly used in restorative dentistry to repair and restore damaged or decayed teeth. They are suitable for crown restoration in areas where there is a balance between durability and aesthetics, making them suitable for both molars and premolars.

PFM crowns  use a non-precious or semi-precious metal alloy, such as nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium, for the substructure due to its strength. The outer layer of crown materials consists of layers of porcelain carefully shaped and colored to match the appearance of natural teeth, providing aesthetics. The manufacturing of PFM crowns involves several steps:

•  Tooth Preparation: The process includes shaping the tooth to provide a suitable foundation for the crown and removing any decaying or damaged areas.
• Impressions: An impression of the tooth and its surroundings is made once the tooth has been prepared. The crown is made using this impression as a model, ensuring a precise fit.
• Temporary Crown: While the permanent PFM crown is being made, the prepared tooth may be covered with a temporary crown to keep it safe. Usually, acrylic or similar temporary material is used to create the temporary crown.
• Metal Substructure Fabrication: A metal substructure is made to fit the prepared tooth. A non-precious or semi-precious metal, such as cobalt-chromium or nickel-chromium alloy, is typically used to create this substructure. Crown fabrication is designed to be strong and durable, providing structural support for the crown.
•  Layering Porcelain: The metal substructure is covered in layers of porcelain. To produce a crown that closely mimics a real tooth in terms of color, form, and translucency, the technician carefully shapes and fires the porcelain. A desired aesthetic can be achieved by applying multiple porcelain layers.
• Adjustments and polishing: The crown is modified to ensure a perfect fit and alignment of the bite after the porcelain has been layered and molded. After making any required modifications, the crown is polished to a smooth finish.
• Try-in: A try-in is done to make sure the fit and appearance are acceptable before the crown is permanently cemented. If necessary, any final modifications are made at this point.
•  Cementation: Once the patient and dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance, the PFM crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth using dental cement. The crown is then carefully positioned and held in place until the cement sets.
•  Bite and Occlusion Check: After cementation, the dentist will check the patient’s bite and ensure that the crown does not interfere with the occlusion. Any final adjustments may be made to ensure a proper bite.
•  Final Polishing: The crown is polished once again to make sure it blends seamlessly with the natural teeth and feels comfortable in the mouth.

Tips for handling PFM crowns.

Handling PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal) crowns requires care to maintain their appearance and function. Here are some tips for handling PFM crowns:

Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing regularly. PFM crowns are not susceptible to decay, but the underlying tooth and gums must be kept healthy.

 Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Avoid biting or chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies, as this can potentially damage the crown.

 Prevent Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, consider wearing a nightguard to protect both your natural teeth and the PFM crown from excessive wear.

 Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist for routine check-ups to ensure the crown remains in good condition. Your dentist can monitor for any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues.

 Oral Habits: Be mindful of habits like nail biting or using your teeth as tools, as they can put additional stress on the crown and increase the risk of damage.

 Avoid Staining Substances: Limit consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, and red wine, and practice good oral hygiene to prevent staining of the porcelain component of the crown.

Gum Health: Maintain gum health by keeping an eye on gum recession, which may expose the metal substructure of the crown. If gum recession occurs, consult your dentist for appropriate care.