---
title: "What Is Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown? Dental Glossary"
description: "A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown has a metal shell inside for strength and a layer of tooth-colored porcelain over it for a natural look."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/porcelain-fused-to-metal-pfm-crown
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Materials

# Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown

A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown has a metal shell inside for strength and a layer of tooth-colored porcelain over it for a natural look.

A PFM crown is built in two layers. The inner metal cap adds strength, and the outer porcelain gives the look of a tooth. PFM crowns have been used for many years. A study in the NIH library notes that, although all-ceramic crowns have gained popularity for their looks, PFM and metal crowns are still the choice of treatment in many situations. Problems that the study lists include cavities at the edge and porcelain fracture. A thin dark line can also show near the gum edge. A [crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-crown) covers the whole visible part of the tooth. Your dentist will talk with you about which type fits your tooth and bite. Compare [zirconia](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/zirconia) and see our [dental crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown) page.

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-crown)

## Related terms

-   [Dental crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-crown)
-   [Porcelain](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/porcelain)
-   [Zirconia](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/zirconia)
-   [Gold alloy](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gold-alloy)
-   [Temporary crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporary-crown)

## Sources

1.  [NIH PubMed Central: Survival of Single-Unit Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) and Metal Crowns Placed by Students at an Australian University Dental Clinic over a Five-Year Period](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8227166/)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)