PFZ

Porcelain-fused-to-zirconia restorations are an excellent alternative to PFM crowns. Crafted by layering esthetic porcelain over a zirconia substructure, they provide the strength of PFM crowns while eliminating esthetic challenges, such as discoloration or the dark line that can appear along the gingiva. They are also a good option for ceramic veneers. Through the use of advanced CAD/CAM technology, they provide consistently accurate fit. Due to zirconia’s natural translucency, these crowns are warmer and provide superior lifelike coloration when compared to their PFM counterparts.

Features:

Hypoallergenic and biocompatible
Eliminates esthetic challenges of PFMs
1,450 MPa
Requires conventional cementation

Indications

A CAD/CAM substitute for traditional PFM, our porcelain-fused-to-zirconia can be used for anterior and posterior crowns, crowns over implants, and bridges of up to fourteen units.

Contraindications

Attachment cases
Cases with less than 1 mm clearance
Bruxism
Patients who have broken a PFM crown
Cases that require bonding

Preparation

The ideal preparation for PFZs is a chamfer margin preparation. If a porcelain labial margin is prescribed, then a shoulder margin preparation is required.

Cementation

Resin Ionomer cement (RelyX or RelyX Unicem, 3M ESPE)
Maxcem Elite (Kerr)
Panavia F 2.0 (Kuraray) - ideal for short, tapered preparations
Glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji, GC America)

Tech Notes

If an adjustment is required on the ceramic, use a fine diamond with water and air to keep the crown cool. To contour the ceramic, polish with a pink rubber wheel and diamond polishing paste (Brasseler, Shofu, Vident).

Codes

D2740 Crown - porcelain / ceramic substrate