Dental Technology

PFM VS Zirconia: Which Material is Better?

The number of PFM crowns requested by clinicians is lower compared with all-ceramic and zirconia restorations. Some dentists use zirconia or all-ceramic restorations almost exclusively, particularly when restoring only a single unit. Compare PFM to Zirconia and decide which material is better.

Mario Abreu

Apr 23, 2018

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFMs) have been successfully used for many years, providing clinicians with reliable, esthetically pleasing, and long-lasting restorations. However, over the past few years, an increasing number of clinicians are choosing zirconia restorations. The number of PFM crowns requested by clinicians is lower compared with all-ceramic and zirconia restorations. Some dentists use zirconia or all-ceramic restorations almost exclusively, particularly when restoring only a single unit. The switch from one material to another has been relatively quick, so there is little long-term research into the reliability of zirconia restorations. By comparison, PFMs have been used successfully for over 60 years, and their durability has been extensively evaluated.

Materials Used to Manufacture PFM Crowns

Generally, there are three different categories of dental alloys used when fabricating PFM crowns: non-precious, semi-precious, and high noble. Non-precious alloys are sometimes called base metals with a noble metal content of less than 25%. These metals often contain large percentages of cobalt, nickel, chromium, or beryllium. Semi-precious alloys have at least 25% noble metal content. Precious metal alloys have over 60% noble metal content which includes gold, platinum, or palladium. A precious metal alloy contains 40% gold. Metal substructures are layered with feldspathic porcelain.

Materials Used to Manufacture Zirconia Crowns

Options for zirconia crowns include Zirconia Solid, Zirconia HT (High Translucent), and Zirconia Layered. Zirconia Solid is monolithic and is the strongest material available. It’s particularly good for patients with clenching or grinding problems and is most suitable for posterior crowns and bridges. Zirconia HT is made from a stronger material than that of PFM restorations but still has a natural translucency and excellent esthetics. It’s perfect for anterior crowns and for bridges up to 3 units. Zirconia Layered is another extremely strong material suitable for bridges and crowns. It’s substructure is zirconia with porcelain layered over it and is similar to PFM.

Why Choose PFMs?

The reliability of PFM restorations is well documented, and millions of restorations have been placed worldwide. PFMs are known to last for 30 years when utilized in the correct situations and with good patient hygiene.

Characteristics of PFM restorations:

PFMs are strong and are suitable for use in all areas of the mouth and in most clinical situations
Clinical success of PFM restorations has been proven through long-term research
Clinical research has shown that single PFM crowns will last for many years, and three-unit PFM bridges also have a relatively long lifespan
PFM crowns and bridges provide relatively good esthetics, especially during the first few years
Precision attachments can be used with PFMs, while zirconia restorations have not yet achieved this ability
PFM restorations can be used for long-span bridges and have proven to be an effective material choice in the longer term

Potential Problems with Using PFM Crowns

While the reliability and durability of PFMs are beyond question, it can be difficult to create highly esthetic restorations because of the metal substructure. The substructure must be masked with opaque and may remain slightly visible even after layering with porcelain. Opaque also prevents light from passing through the restoration as it would with a natural tooth. Another potential problem with PFM restorations is gum recession. Over time, as gum tissue recedes, the metal margin of the PFM is exposed, creating a grayish colored line that isn’t esthetically pleasing. One way to overcome this problem is to use a porcelain margin, but this may not always be a practical solution. PFM crowns are layered with feldspathic porcelain, which is a relatively weak material that wears opposing teeth at a very high rate. This can be a problem when restoring teeth in bruxers.

Why Choose Zirconia Restorations?

Zirconia restorations offer clinicians several advantages, and the introduction of newer and more esthetically pleasing zirconia materials has greatly increased their appeal. More clinicians are choosing to scan tooth preparations rather than taking conventional tray impressions. Dental laboratories utilize the scans to create precision-made restorations relatively easily.

Characteristics of zirconia restorations:

The material provides high-strength
The high biocompatibility of zirconia will not cause allergies in patients who have allergic reactions to PFM restorations
They have good soft tissue response is useful for patients suffering from soft tissue irritation caused by PFM or metal restorations
Restorations are precision-fitted, so margins are extremely accurate
They are ideal for full crown restorations where cosmetics are important and additional strength and durability are required
They are resistant to hot and cold, which reduces hypersensitivity
Less tooth preparation is required
Solid zirconia is suitable for bruxers due to its durability
They can mask underlying tooth discoloration, implant abutments, and metal cores
Gum recession will not affect the esthetics, and marginal discoloration will be avoided

Considerations When Using Zirconia Restorations

Zirconia is a newer material and far fewer case studies have been conducted regarding its longevity, but the introduction of newer forms of zirconia has eliminated many concerns clinicians have had in the past. Previously, the original forms of zirconia lacked the translucency of lithium disilicate restorations. By comparison, modern zirconia can now create the most life-like restorations, and its strength makes it a superior choice in numerous situations. It is suitable for both anterior and posterior restorations and where esthetics are of the highest concern.

One worry is that the durability of this material makes it difficult to detect decay underneath the crown, but restorations are precision-made using CADCAM technology, reducing the possibility of infection.

In the past, clinicians have questioned whether the porcelains used to layer zirconia are prone to chipping. Risk factors for chipping include bruxism and neglecting to wear a night guard. The introduction of esthetically pleasing solid zirconia suitable for bruxers has addressed these concerns. In fact, solid zirconia is a far more suitable choice for bruxers than PFMs.

So far, the clinical evidence for the long-term survival rate of zirconia-based restorations is very favorable, though the introduction of more technologically advanced zirconia-based materials over the past few years has made it difficult to properly assess. Future studies may show that these newer forms of zirconia produce even more impressive long-term results. Patients are increasingly demanding more esthetically pleasing restorations, and it’s easier to accommodate these demands when using zirconia.

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