PFM Non-Precious Options

The Non-Precious (base metal) PFM continues to be a very popular restoration for price conscious doctors who enjoy working with PFMs. Non-Precious metal alloys are typically nickel based, although nickel free alternatives (such as a predominanty cobalt-chromium alloy) are now increasingly popular. The reason why most alloys are nickel based is because nickel is easier to handle by technicians and reports high porcelain to metal bond strengths,

However, there are a small percentage of patients (9% of women and 0.9% of men) that have incidence of nickel sensitivity*. It is advisable to do a nickel allergy test (using a nickel sensitivity patch) before placing a nickel based alloy. If the nickel test is not available, at the least it is advised to ask patients if they tend to avoid costume jewelry due to skin irritation. If they do avoid it, it is quite possible that they have the nickel allergy.

We offer both the nickel and nickel free alloys. More information is available on our website under the products tab or by copying this url: https://www.streamlinedental.com/products/PFM/NON-PRECIOUS/

*A detailed article on the ADA's website about nickel alloys is available here: http://www.agd.org/publications/articles/?ArtID=8571