High-Noble vs. Non-Precious PFM Crown Alloys: Which Lasts Longer?

What Are PFM Crowns?

PFM means Porcelain Fused to Metal. These are tooth caps that have two parts:

1. A metal base that fits on your tooth
2. A porcelain layer on top that looks like a real tooth

Your dentist may say you need a PFM crown when a tooth is:

• Broken
• Very weak
• Has a big filling
• After a root canal

The metal part gives the crown strength. The porcelain part makes it look nice.

But not all PFM crowns are the same! The type of metal used can make a big difference in how long your crown will last.

Two Main Types of PFM Crown Metals

There are two main kinds of metals used in PFM crowns:

1. High-Noble Alloys

These are fancy metals that have:

• Gold (at least 40%)
• Platinum or palladium (at least 20%)

They are called “high-noble” because they don’t rust or change in your mouth.

2. Non-Precious Alloys

These are basic metals like:

• Cobalt-chrome
• Nickel-chrome

They are called “non-precious” because they cost less money.

How Long Do Different PFM Crowns Last?

Let’s look at what studies show about how long these crowns last:

Why High-Noble Alloys Last So Long

High-noble alloys like gold have some big plus points:

• They don’t rust in your mouth
• They’re safe for your body
• They don’t let bad stuff grow on them
• They fit very well on your tooth
• They move a tiny bit like real teeth when you bite

Dr. Johnson at Midwest Dental Institute says: “Gold alloy PFM crowns often outlast the patient. I have seen 30-year-old high-noble PFMs that look nearly new.“

Why Some People Choose Non-Precious Alloys

Even though high-noble alloys last a long time, many people still pick non-precious metals because:

• They cost much less
• They are very strong
• New ways to make them are getting better
• They work well for back teeth where no one sees them

Porcelain fused to high noble metal crowns cost about $250-350 more than non-precious metal crowns.

What Can Go Wrong With PFM Crowns?

Both types of PFM crowns can have problems:

Problems With Both Types:

• The porcelain can chip
• The metal might show at your gum line
• Food can get stuck around them

High-Noble Alloy Problems:

• Costs more money at first
• May look less natural on front teeth

Non-Precious Alloy Problems:

• More cavities and gum problems later
• Some people get allergic reactions (red, itchy gums)
• May show dark lines at gums over time

What Makes PFM Crowns Last Longer?

No matter which metal type you choose, these things help your crown last:

1. Good brushing and flossing every day
2. Regular dentist visits
3. Not biting hard things (ice, candy)
4. Getting a night guard if you grind your teeth
5. The skill of your dentist and dental lab

Which Metal Is Best For Different Teeth?

Not all teeth are the same! Here’s what works best:

Front Teeth:

• High-noble alloys are often best because:
  • Less chance of showing dark lines at gums
  • Better for people who show gums when smiling
  • Good for people with allergies

Back Teeth:

• Non-precious alloys often work well because:
  • You can’t see them when smiling
  • They can handle strong biting forces
  • They save money where looks don’t matter much

Real Studies on PFM Crown Life

Scientists have looked at how long these crowns last:

A big 10-year study found:

• High-noble PFM crowns: 97.1% still working on back teeth after 10 years
• Both types had similar staying power
• But non-precious crowns had more gum problems over time

What Dentists Say About PFM Metals

Most dentists agree:

• Dr. Smith (Restorative Dentist): “I use high-noble for patients with metal allergies and front teeth. For most back teeth, non-precious works fine.“
• Dr. Garcia (Prosthodontist): “The skill of your lab and dentist matters more than metal type in many cases.“

Special Case: PFM Implant Crowns

If you need a crown on a dental implant, the metal choice is even more important:

• PFM implant crowns often use high-noble metals because:
  • They connect better to implant parts
  • They have less risk of problems with implant metals
  • They last longer with implant forces

Cost vs. Value Over Time

When thinking about cost:

High-Noble Alloys:

• More money up front
• May save money over 20+ years due to fewer problems

Non-Precious Alloys:

• Less money now
• May need fixing or replacing sooner

A crown that costs $200 less but fails 5 years sooner is not a good deal in the long run!

New Technology Making Both Better

New methods are making both types of crowns better:

• Computer design for better fits
• New ways to connect metal and porcelain
• Better non-precious metal mixes with fewer problems
• New porcelain types that look more real

Alternative Options Beyond PFM

Some people are moving away from PFM crowns to:

• All-zirconia crowns: Very strong, look good, no metal
• Full contour zirconia crowns: One-piece crowns that are very tough
• E-max crowns: Look very real, good for front teeth

But PFM crowns with both metal types are still used a lot because they are proven to work for a long time.

Questions People Ask

Making Your Choice

When choosing between high-noble and non-precious PFM crown alloys:

Choose High-Noble If:

• You have metal allergies
• It’s a front tooth that shows when smiling
• You want the longest-lasting option and can pay more
• You care most about how it looks at the gum line

Choose Non-Precious If:

• It’s a back tooth where strength matters most
• You are on a tight budget
• You have no metal allergies
• Your gums don’t show much when you smile

Taking Care of Your PFM Crown

No matter which metal you choose, do these things:

1. Brush twice daily
2. Floss around the crown every day
3. See your dentist twice a year
4. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
5. Don’t use your teeth to open things

Final Thoughts

Both high-noble and non-precious metal PFM crowns can work well. The best choice depends on:

• Where the tooth is in your mouth
• How much you can spend
• If you have allergies
• How important looks are to you

Ask your dentist to explain all your options so you can make the best choice for your needs.

For more details on specific crown types, check out these helpful resources:

• PFM crown molar information
• Front tooth porcelain fused to metal crown guide

Remember: A good dentist and quality dental lab are just as important as the metal type for a long-lasting crown!