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What is a PFM restoration, and how is it made?

A PFM (Porcelain Fused Metal) restoration combines a strong metal substructure (the coping) with hand-layered feldspathic porcelain fired over it. It is one of dentistry's most time-tested fixed restorations, valued because it balances esthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness in a single design. The metal coping carries the load and provides marginal integrity, while the porcelain layered on top, beginning with an opaque masking layer, recreates natural tooth color, translucency, and surface texture.

At ROE, PFM copings are produced with a CAD/CAM workflow that the lab has been refining since 2004. Rather than relying on conventional casting alone, the design software computes optimal cement space, detects and marks the margin, identifies undercuts, and optimizes coping geometry for porcelain support. The practical result for the clinician is a porosity-free coping with precise margins and predictable internal fit.

Metal options

PFM at ROE is available in your metal of choice: non-precious white, noble yellow, or high noble yellow. ROE also offers Cobalt Chrome as a biocompatible alloy alternative that is free from nickel and beryllium, which reduces allergic-reaction concerns for sensitive patients. The metal selection you choose is reflected in the ADA code you bill (see the warranty, turnaround, and ADA codes article).

The porcelain layer

Over the coping, ROE layers porcelain to develop shade and form. PFM cases can be matched to all 16 VITA shades and 4 bleach shades. Because the substructure is metal, the design can also incorporate metal occlusal and lingual surfaces where additional wear resistance or reduced clearance is desired.

Why the digital coping matters

CAD/CAM milling eliminates many of the variables inherent to traditional casting, such as casting porosity and inconsistent margins. ROE describes this as delivering superior marginal precision, exceptional internal fit (which reduces microleakage and secondary-decay risk), and enhanced porcelain support for natural-looking, color-accurate results.

Clinical takeaway: A PFM is a layered restoration. The metal coping supplies strength and margin integrity; the porcelain supplies esthetics. Understanding that division of labor explains most of the prep, seating, and material-selection guidance in the other articles.

All ROE restorations are made in the USA using only FDA-approved materials. To learn when a PFM is the right choice versus an all-ceramic or full-cast option, see the article on when to choose a PFM crown.

 

Additional Resources

For more information concerning the Porcelain Fused Metal (PFM):

Contact Information

For help with a Locator Fixed solution for your next case, contact ROE Dental Laboratory: