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Dental Nation
Material guide

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

By the Dental Nation clinical team — a licensed dental group practising in the UAE

A metal core gives PFM crowns strength, while porcelain provides a tooth-like outer surface with some aesthetic limits.

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The short answer

PFM crowns pair a durable metal alloy core with a porcelain exterior that resembles a natural tooth.

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Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) dental educational illustration

What is a PFM crown?

The two layers of a PFM crown
PartPurpose
Metal alloy coreProvides strength and durability.[1]
Porcelain exteriorCreates the tooth-like outer appearance.[1]

[1]

What does the metal change?

The metal beneath the porcelain can limit the final appearance because opaque porcelain is needed to cover its grey shade.

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What are PFM crowns used for?

PFM crowns are used to repair damaged teeth and have long been a common form of indirect restoration.

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What is the main alternative?

All-ceramic crowns are a metal-free alternative. Materials used for these crowns include lithium disilicate, zirconia, leucite-reinforced glass and glass-infiltrated alumina.

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Material distinction
OptionMaterial approach
PFMA metal alloy core is covered by porcelain.[1]
All-ceramic crownUses ceramic materials without a metal framework.[1][2]

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What does this mean for appearance and cost?

A PFM crown can provide satisfactory aesthetics, but the metal framework can make its appearance less favourable than a metal-free crown. Rising precious-metal costs can also affect its economic appeal.

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How do PFM crowns hold up?

One study reported fracture failure in 0.2% of PFM crowns after an average of 13 service-years, while another found chipping in 2.6% within five years. Oral disease caused most PFM failures.

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Frequently asked questions

Why can a PFM crown look less natural than an all-ceramic crown?

Its metal framework needs an opaque porcelain layer to mask the underlying grey shade, which limits the final aesthetics.

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Can a PFM crown chip?

Yes. A cited study found that 2.6% of PFM crowns had chipped within five years.

[1][2]

Keep reading

symptomTooth PaincompareUpper-jaw implant prep (often confused)treatmentPorcelain-Fused-to-Metal CrownsconditionFused Teeth

Who wrote this page

This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.

This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.

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