PFM & Metal Restorations
Porcelain-fused-to-metal and full metal restorations remain essential in restorative dentistry — proven materials with decades of clinical evidence behind them. Peak Dental Studio fabricates PFM crowns in four alloy tiers, plus Gold Crowns in white and yellow alloys, Full Metal Crowns, Metal Inlays, PFZ (porcelain-fused-to-zirconia), and Maryland Bridge Wings. Our prosthodontist-founded lab ensures every metal-based restoration delivers the precise fit and longevity these time-tested materials are known for.
PFM Crown Options by Alloy Tier
PFM (High Noble) — Maximum Biocompatibility
Our PFM (High Noble) crowns use alloys containing at least 60% noble metal content (gold, platinum, palladium). This is our recommendation for patients with metal sensitivities or a history of allergic reactions to base metals. The high noble substructure provides excellent porcelain bonding, minimal oxidation, and the most biocompatible metal-ceramic combination available. Ideal for long-span bridges where framework integrity is critical.
PFM (Noble) — Balanced Performance and Value
PFM (Noble) crowns contain at least 25% noble metal, providing a balance of biocompatibility, strength, and cost-effectiveness that makes them the most versatile PFM option in our lineup. These restorations deliver reliable porcelain bonding, excellent castability, and a proven track record for both anterior and posterior applications. The noble alloy provides sufficient corrosion resistance for long-term oral performance.
PFM (Semi-Precious) — Cost-Conscious Quality
PFM (Semi-Precious) restorations offer a step down in noble metal content while maintaining the mechanical properties needed for reliable clinical performance. These crowns work particularly well for posterior restorations where the patient needs a durable metal-ceramic restoration at a lower price point than high noble or noble alloys, without sacrificing fit or longevity.
PFM (Non-Precious) — Maximum Affordability
Our PFM (Non-Precious) crowns use base metal alloys (primarily nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium) to provide the most affordable metal-ceramic restoration option. These alloys offer excellent strength and hardness, making them suitable for posterior restorations in cost-sensitive cases. We recommend screening patients for nickel sensitivity before prescribing non-precious alloys.
Full Metal & Gold Restorations
Gold Crown – Yellow & Gold Crown – White
Gold crowns deliver unmatched longevity, wear compatibility with opposing natural teeth, and marginal integrity that no other material can match. We fabricate Gold Crowns in both Yellow and White alloys — yellow for patients who prefer the classic gold appearance, and white (palladium-based) for those who want the benefits of gold alloy in a silver-toned restoration. Note: Gold Crown pricing does not include the metal weight fee, which varies based on current precious metal market prices.
Full Metal Crown
Our Full Metal Crown provides maximum strength for posterior teeth where aesthetics are not a concern. Fabricated in base metal alloys, these crowns deliver excellent wear resistance and marginal integrity at an economical price point. Full Metal Crown pricing does not include the metal weight fee. Full Metal Inlays are also available for conservative posterior restorations requiring the durability of metal without full-coverage preparation.
Specialty Metal-Ceramic Products
PFZ (Porcelain-Fused-to-Zirconia): Combines a milled zirconia coping with hand-layered porcelain — stronger than traditional PFM with the aesthetics of custom ceramics. Ideal for anterior bridges and cases needing maximum framework strength under porcelain.
Maryland Bridge Wings: Bonded metal wings for conservative single-tooth replacement without full-coverage preparation on adjacent teeth. A minimally invasive solution for anterior tooth loss.
PFM Metal Try-In: Verification step for complex PFM cases — try the metal framework intraorally before porcelain application to confirm fit, margins, and occlusion.
PFM Repair: Porcelain repair on existing PFM restorations when a chip or fracture occurs — often more conservative and cost-effective than full remake.
Reduction Coping – Metal: Metal copings for verifying preparation reduction before final restoration fabrication.
Metal Weight Fee: Applied separately to gold and precious metal restorations based on current market alloy prices.
Digital Workflow
We accept digital scans from 3Shape, iTero (ID: 22376), CEREC, Medit, and TRIOS for all PFM and metal restoration cases. Traditional PVS impressions are also accepted with complimentary UPS 2nd Day Air shipping labels provided. Our CAD/CAM design workflow optimizes framework geometry for both castability and porcelain support before fabrication begins.
Related Services
For all-ceramic alternatives, explore our Zirconia Crowns & Restorations or Emax & Ceramic Restorations. Plan complex PFM cases with Diagnostic Wax-Ups & Treatment Planning. For premium PFM with enhanced porcelain layering, see the Signature Crown & Bridge Collection. View all services on our Crowns & Bridges hub page, or learn about Dr. McWhorter’s clinical approach to material selection.
Standard turnaround for PFM and metal restorations is two weeks from case receipt. Rush options are available. Start Your Partnership with Peak Dental Studio or contact our team to discuss your next PFM, gold, or metal restoration case.