Dental fixed restoration refers to the use of dental materials to replace or restore a missing or damaged tooth structure permanently. Fixed restorations are different from removable restorations like dentures, which can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning or maintenance.
Examples of dental fixed restorations include dental crowns, dental bridges, inlays, and onlays. These restorations are designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, restoring your smile’s aesthetics and functionality.
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its shape, size, and strength. Dental bridges replace missing teeth by attaching an artificial tooth to neighboring natural teeth, while inlays and onlays fill cavities or damage in the tooth’s biting surface.
Fixed restorations can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials.
Fixed Restorations Type Chart
| Type of Restoration | Zirconia Pretinted | Zirconia Buccal Cut Back | Zirconia Tinted | Ivoclar Emax (Lithium Disilicate) | Vita Enamic (Hybrid Ceramic) | Porcelain Fused to Metal | Full Gold | Porcelain Veneers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | Anterior/Posterior Crowns and Bridges | Anterior/Posterior Crowns and Bridges | Anterior/Posterior Crowns and Bridges | Anterior/Postertior Crowns, Inlays/Onlays, and Veneers | Single/Posterior Crowns and Inlay/Onlay | Anterior/Posterior Crowns and Bridges | Posterior Crowns and Bridges, and Inlays/Onlays | Anterior and Posterior |
| Materials | Full contoured Yittria zirconia | Porcelain Fused to Yittria zirconia | Porcelain Fused to Yittria zirconia | Lithium disilicate | Ceramic/Polymer | Alloy of your choice, Opaqued and layered porcelain, Porcelain margin | Yellow Alloy and Silver Alloy (You can choose material) | Feldspathic Porcelain and Mark II |
| Days in Lab* | 5-10* | 5-10* | 5-10* | 5-10* | 5* | 7-10* | 5 | 7-10* |
| Aesthetics | Monolithic with stain | Porcelain on Buccal | Custom Shade | Custom Shade | Absorbs neighboring tooth colour | Dependent on preparation design | N/A | Custom Shade |
| Adhesive | Resin cement | Resin Cement | Resin cement | Etch and Bond (As per manufacturer's instructions) | Etch and Bond (As per manufacturer's instructions) | Resin cement | Resin cement | Bond as per manufacturer's Instructions |
*Days in the lab can vary due to the complexity of the case. Cases can also be pre-booked (Add 2 days for courier deliveries).
PFM – Porcelain Fused to Metal
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) is a type of dental restoration that combines the strength of metal with the aesthetic properties of porcelain. PFM restorations are commonly used for dental crowns and bridges.
The process of creating a PFM restoration typically involves creating a metal substructure that is designed to fit over the prepared tooth or teeth. The metal substructure is then coated with a layer of porcelain, which is fused to the metal in a high-temperature furnace.
The metal substructure provides the strength and durability of the restoration, while the porcelain layer provides the natural-looking appearance of the tooth. The porcelain layer can be customized to match the color and shape of the surrounding natural teeth, resulting in a restoration that blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
PFM restorations are generally considered to be a reliable and long-lasting option for dental restorations, and they can be used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma, or other dental problems. However, some patients may be sensitive to the metal substructure, and the porcelain layer can wear down over time, requiring replacement or repair. Your dentist can help determine if a PFM restoration is the best option for your individual needs and recommend the appropriate treatment.
The standard in restorative dentistry. Anything is achievable with a PFM Crown. It has the flexibility of a metal occlusion to a 360-degree porcelain margin. Can be used with attachments for combination cases. Tooth colour can be reproduced three-dimensionally. Restorations can also be milled for a superior fit.
PFM and Full Gold
Despite the market trend of all-ceramic restorations, full gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal are still being used with tremendous success. These options have been used for over 50 years and have proven the test of time.
