Full Cast & PFM Options
Proven Restorations for Strength, Longevity, and Value
Summit Horizon Dental Lab in St. Louis, Missouri fabricates full cast crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations for dentists across the Midwest and nationwide. These materials continue to be a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, providing durability, cost efficiency, and esthetics where appropriate.
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Why Choose Full Cast & PFM Restorations?
Dentists continue to choose full cast and PFM options because they combine decades of proven reliability with practical advantages in modern workflows:
- Durability: Withstand high occlusal forces in posterior zones.
- Versatility: Suitable for crowns, 3-unit bridges, and long-span cases.
- Esthetics: PFMs offer layered porcelain for lifelike anterior results.
- Value: Cost-efficient compared to some all-ceramic solutions.
- Predictability: Consistent outcomes backed by CAD/CAM fabrication.
At Summit Horizon, our technicians apply careful design and finishing protocols to ensure every PFM or full cast restoration is seat-ready and built for long-term success.
Types of Full Cast & PFM Restorations
At Summit Horizon Dental Lab, we provide a range of full cast and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations to match the functional and esthetic needs of each case. These time-tested options remain highly reliable for posterior crowns, single units, and multi-unit bridges, especially when cost efficiency and long-term durability are priorities. Every restoration is fabricated in our St. Louis-based lab with CAD/CAM precision and technician oversight, ensuring predictable seating and consistent results for practices locally and nationwide.
FULL CAST CROWNS
Full cast crowns are fabricated entirely from metal, offering maximum strength and long-term reliability. They remain a trusted solution for posterior restorations, particularly when occlusal forces are high.
Best for:
- Posterior crowns requiring long-term durability
- Patients with bruxism or heavy bite forces
- Cost-sensitive cases where esthetics are not the priority
Materials:
- High noble alloys
- Noble alloys
- Base metal alloys (per prescription requirements)
Why dentists choose this:
- Simple prep design and predictable seat
- Excellent resistance to fracture and wear
- Long clinical track record of success
What this means for your practice: A reliable, cost-effective option that reduces the risk of remakes and provides peace of mind for demanding posterior cases.
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PFMs combine a durable metal substructure with porcelain layering to achieve balance between strength and esthetics. Ideal for anterior and posterior cases where appearance matters but function cannot be compromised.
Best for:
- Single-unit anterior or posterior crowns
- Situations requiring both strength and esthetics
- Patients with moderate esthetic demands and strong occlusal forces
Materials:
- Metal substructure with layered porcelain
- Alloy choice based on strength and budget requirements
Why dentists choose this:
- Strong foundation of a metal coping
- Porcelain layering for esthetic blending
- Cost-effective compared to some all-ceramic solutions
What this means for your practice: Predictable outcomes that balance appearance with strength, making them versatile for a wide range of cases.
PFM BRIDGES (INCLUDING LONG-SPAN CASES)
PFM bridges extend the proven benefits of porcelain-fused-to-metal into multi-unit and long-span cases. Their strength makes them suitable for complex restorative needs while maintaining esthetics.
Best for:
- 3-unit bridges
- Long-span multi-unit cases where zirconia may not be ideal
- Posterior replacements under high occlusal load
Materials:
- Metal framework with layered porcelain
Why dentists choose this:
- Proven durability across large spans
- Serviceable and adaptable in complex cases
- Affordable alternative to some advanced ceramic frameworks
What this means for your practice:
Confidence in tackling multi-unit cases with restorations that hold up over time and reduce the risk of costly failures.
Material & Case Planning Guidance”
Selecting the right material for each case is essential for balancing durability, esthetics, and patient expectations. At Summit Horizon, we collaborate with dentists to recommend the most appropriate option, whether that’s a full cast crown for posterior strength, a PFM crown for esthetic blending, or a long-span PFM bridge for multi-unit cases. Our team ensures that alloy selection, porcelain layering, and framework design align with the functional demands and esthetic goals of each patient.
- Full Cast: Maximum strength and reliability for posterior crowns and bruxism cases.
- PFM Crowns: Strong substructure with esthetic porcelain layering for anterior and posterior use.
- PFM Bridges: Durable frameworks that manage high occlusal loads in multi-unit or long-span restorations.
What this means for your practice: Clear material recommendations and case planning support that simplify decision-making and improve clinical outcomes.
Long-Span Considerations
Designing long-span PFM bridges requires careful planning to ensure strength, fit, and long-term stability. At Summit Horizon, we evaluate each case to recommend the most predictable approach:
Key considerations:
- Framework design: Proper connector sizing and reinforcement are critical to prevent flexure and porcelain fracture.
- Alloy selection: High-strength alloys are recommended for spans under heavy occlusal load.
- Support distribution: Occlusal forces must be evenly shared across abutments to avoid complications.
- Span length: Very long bridges may benefit from alternative solutions such as implants or sectioning strategies.
What this means for your practice: Thoughtful planning and strong framework design reduce the risk of chipping, flexure, and costly remakes—helping your team deliver predictable outcomes, even in demanding long-span cases.
Ready to Start Your Next Full Cast or PFM Case?
Summit Horizon Dental Lab partners with dentists in St. Louis and across the United States to deliver predictable full cast and porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. Whether you’re planning a posterior crown, a 3-unit bridge, or a complex long-span case, our technicians combine CAD/CAM precision with decades of experience to ensure strength, reliability, and consistent outcomes.
Full Cast & PFM Restoration FAQs
What are the advantages of full cast crowns?
Full cast crowns offer unmatched durability, excellent fit, and a long clinical track record. They’re especially effective for posterior teeth and bruxism cases where strength is critical.
When are PFMs recommended over all-ceramic crowns?
PFMs are often chosen for multi-unit and long-span cases, or when strength and esthetics both matter. Their metal substructure provides stability, while porcelain layering delivers a natural look.
Do PFMs last as long as other crown types?
PFMs are proven to last many years with proper design and patient care. Our lab ensures reliable longevity by optimizing framework strength, connector sizing, and porcelain application.
How does Summit Horizon prevent porcelain chipping in PFMs?
We reduce chipping risk by carefully balancing porcelain thickness with framework support. Connector design, alloy choice, and layering techniques are calibrated to handle occlusal forces predictably.
Can Summit Horizon handle long-span PFM bridge cases?
Yes. Our technicians evaluate load distribution, alloy selection, and framework reinforcement to provide stable, esthetic results even in complex long-span cases.
Do you serve dentists outside of St. Louis?
Yes—Summit Horizon is based in St. Louis, Missouri, but we serve dentists across Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Arkansas, Kansas, and nationwide.