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What records, impressions, and shade information does a PFM case require?

A PFM case is fabricated from the records you submit, so complete and accurate records are the foundation of a well-fitting, well-matched restoration. ROE accepts either traditional or digital workflows.

Required records

For a PFM, ROE asks for traditional or digital impressions, an impression of the prepared teeth, an opposing model and bite registration, and a shade. Whether you submit PVS impressions or an intraoral scan, the same anatomy must be captured: the full margin, the prepared tooth, the adjacent and opposing dentition, and a reliable bite.

Shade selection

PFM can be matched to all 16 VITA shades and 4 bleach shades. Capture color photographs with the shade tab held adjacent to the prepared and neighboring teeth, in good lighting, so the technician can read value, hue, and chroma. ROE also offers a shade service when a precise match is critical.

Bite registration that you can verify

Use only a single rope of bite material on the occlusal surfaces and have the patient close into it; too much material prevents you from confirming that the teeth are fully seated in occlusion. If a case lacks adequate centric stops, capture whatever stops are available with bite rims or a full-arch impression. If you are uncertain a bite will mount correctly, ask ROE to mount and verify it before fabrication proceeds.

Impression quality checklist

Before sending a traditional impression, confirm that the margins are clearly captured, that there are no voids or bubbles, that there are no tears or pulls in the material, that material thickness is adequate, that the opposing arch is captured, and that occlusal registration is correct. For digital scans, confirm the prep area is fully covered, including the margin line and contact points, and that the arches snap together correctly at the bite.

Clinical rule of thumb: A margin you cannot see in the impression is a margin the lab cannot reproduce. Retract, dry, and verify margin visibility before you capture the final record.

 

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: