Metal-Based Products

Despite their being around for decades prior to today's modern dental ceramics, these materials still have their place.  Full gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations are often used when sufficient occlusal clearance cannot be afforded (less than 0.5mm).

PFM is sometimes preferred for bridgework to this day despite the prevalence of zirconia products.  As incredible as zirconia is as a material, it cannot always be successfully utilised for bridges.  Span, OVD and plunging opposing cusps, for example, can compromise the long-term success of a zirconia bridge, whereas a metal-supported framework can withstand the forces being exerted through the connectors.

Although these materials have been around a long time, their processes are certainly not the same.  All metal-based products are CAD designed and milled from either high-standard milling wax or directly with sinter metal.  The result is CADCAM margins and optimised structures that cannot be compared to yesteryear.

Further information on our full-gold and PFM products can be found in the table below.

Product	Material	Benefits / Description
Porcelain-Fused to Metal (PFM)	Metal: Porcelain: VITA VM13	Ideal option for long-span bridges where OVD and/or occlusal clearance is limited Suitable option for cantilever and Maryland bridges Can opt for a polished metal island on a crown or bridge unit where occlusal clearance is below 0.5mm Precision attachments can be incorporated into framework design
Full Gold Crown	Argeloy Sunray yellow alloy	Premium NP yellow alloy Composition: Cu 80.7% Al 7.8% Ni 4.3% IR 3.0% Zn 2.7% Mo 1.7% Occlusal clearance can be as little as 0.3mm in the absence of severe bruxism