PFM Crowns & Bridges

The workhorse that refuses to retire: cast metal framework with layered porcelain - strong enough for molars and long spans, and the budget-smart choice for many posterior cases.

What we offer & who it is for

For practices and laboratories needing proven posterior strength at a controlled price, and long-span cases where full zirconia is not indicated.

Work from this line

Options

Framework alloys	CoCr, precious alloys and gold alloys; nickel-free and beryllium-free options; alloy documentation on request.
Occlusal design	Metal occlusal or full porcelain occlusal.
Margins	Metal collar, or porcelain butt margin for the aesthetic zone.
Porcelain	Layered ceramics with custom staining to prescription.

Specifications & industry guidance

Parameter	Industry reference	Notes
Alloy options	Non-precious · cobalt-chromium · gold-coloured routes	Alloy recorded on the invoice
Veneering porcelain flexural strength	~90-120 MPa (low-fusing veneering porcelain)	The weak link - design protects it
Metal margin options	Porcelain butt margin · metal collar (0.3-0.5 mm)	Butt margin default on visible units
Cementation	Conventional cements (GI, zinc phosphate, resin)	Most forgiving cementation of all options
Typical indications	Long-span bridges, metal-collar aesthetics, matching existing PFM, specific occlusal demands	Zirconia advised where metal-free is preferred

Practical guidance for your prescriptions

PFM remains the pragmatic choice when matching existing PFM work or on limited interocclusal space.
For long spans, connector design is checked at framework stage; segmented designs are an option.
Note any alloy biocompatibility requirement (e.g. Ni-free) on the prescription before production.
Opposing enamel wear is higher against exposed porcelain - keep occlusal contacts on metal where possible.

Reference figures are widely accepted industry values for the material/system class - case-specific parameters are confirmed at design. Reviewed by the Istar case coordination team.

Indications & limits

A visible metal collar is a design choice: porcelain butt margins or supragingival collars avoid greying - in the aesthetic zone we may suggest zirconia instead, before production.

Alloy choice affects both tissue response and price - if the prescription is silent, we confirm the alloy with you rather than assume.

What to submit with your case

Impression or scan of prepared tooth/teeth and opposing arch
Rx form with alloy choice, margin design and occlusal design
Shade and any aesthetic-zone notes
Bite registration for bridges
Allergy notes (nickel-free requirement) if relevant

How the case is made & checked

Intake: alloy and margin design confirmed

Waxing and casting of the framework, or milled substructure on request

Opaque and layered porcelain application

Staining and glazing to prescription

Multi-stage inspection: fit, contacts, occlusion, porcelain coverage

Independent release and packaging

Porcelain coverage, margin integrity and occlusion are checked at the standard checkpoints; alloy composition and batch documentation ship with the case on request.

Production time & shipping

Standard crown-and-bridge workflow (2-3 lab days for routine cases); the clock starts when data is complete and approved. Shipping is separate.

Real cases

Three-unit posterior bridge, CoCr framework

Metal occlusal design chosen for the heavy grinder; porcelain butt margin anteriorly where the smile line exposed the buccal margin.

Pricing & fees

PFM is priced by alloy and unit; quotes confirm alloy, occlusal design and what is included. Freight and import duties are billed separately.

If something goes wrong

Laboratory-side remakes are covered free of charge - see the full remake & warranty policy. Every remake starts with a root-cause analysis you are part of.

Frequently asked questions

Will a PFM crown show a grey line at the gum?

A visible metal collar is a design choice - porcelain butt margins or supragingival placement avoid it. In the aesthetic zone we can also route the case to zirconia.

Which alloy should I choose?

CoCr for strength and value; gold or precious alloys where tissue response and burnishability matter. Tell us the case and budget and we will quote both.

Which alloy options do you offer for PFM?

We offer non-precious (Ni-Cr free option on request), cobalt-chromium and gold-coloured alloy routes. The alloy used is recorded on the invoice. If you have a biocompatibility preference, note it on the prescription and we confirm before casting or milling.

Can you still make PFM, or should every case go zirconia now?

PFM remains a sensible choice where a metal collar is wanted, for long spans with specific occlusal demands, or when matching existing PFM work in the mouth. We are happy to advise when zirconia would serve better - we produce both at volume.

Metal margin or porcelain butt margin?

Both are available. Porcelain butt margins give the best aesthetics at the gingiva; metal margins are more forgiving on subgingival finishes. Note the choice on the prescription - by default we design a porcelain butt margin on visible units.

What is the longest PFM bridge you accept?

Full-arch PFM bridges are accepted with framework design review. Span and connector dimensions are checked at design stage; we flag any case where we would recommend a zirconia or segmented design instead.

Ready to send your first case?

Request the price list or tell us about your first case - a named coordinator replies with the next step, not a sales script.

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Crown & Bridge overview · Zirconia Restorations · Quality & Materials

Content owner: Istar Dental Lab (case coordination team) · Last updated: 2026-10-28