Material Wars: PFM Remains Relevant Amid the Zirconia Boom

Industry Insight – While zirconia crowns have captured the spotlight for their aesthetics and biocompatibility, the demand for porcelain fused to metal (PFM) restorations remains robust, particularly in posterior restorations and full mouth rehabilitation cases requiring long-term durability. Industry data shows that PFM still accounts for a significant share of the global crown and bridge market, especially in emerging economies and insurance-driven practices.

Leading dental prosthesis manufacturer Deyu Dental Lab reports that its PFM production lines continue to operate at full capacity alongside its zirconia crowns division. “We see PFM and zirconia as complementary, not competitive,” a lab spokesperson explained. “For a full mouth rehabilitation that requires a metal framework for strength or for patients with heavy bruxism, porcelain fused to metal is still the most predictable solution. Zirconia crowns, especially multilayer, are our go-to for anterior aesthetics and monolithic implant restorations.”

The lab’s ability to offer both technologies under its OEM dental services allows dental clinics to choose the optimal material for each clinical scenario—a flexibility that is becoming increasingly valued as material science evolves.