Dr. Mohammadullah
Abstract
Background: Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are widely used in clinical dentistry due to their strength and aesthetic qualities, with the metal substructure offering durability and the porcelain veneer providing a natural appearance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns in routine dental practice. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of PFM crowns in daily dental practice. Methods: This prospective observational study took place in the Department of Prosthodontics at BSMMU and beau-dent, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to December 2014, involving 100 patients who received PFM crown restorations. Participants provided informed consent, and data collected included demographics, crown location (anterior or posterior), and porcelain thickness. Failure modes (metal core fracture, porcelain chipping, combined failure) were monitored. Outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: In this study on the fracture resistance of PFM crowns in daily dental practice, 40% of crowns demonstrated fracture resistance greater than 1100 N. The most prevalent failure mode was porcelain chipping, occurring in 55% of cases, highlighting the susceptibility of the porcelain layer to stress-related damage. Fracture resistance varied based on crown location, with 60% of crowns placed in the posterior region. Additionally, the fracture resistance of PFM crowns also varied based on porcelain thickness, with 70% of crowns having a thickness between 1.0–1.5 mm. Conclusion: This study underscores the durability of PFM crowns, highlighting that material strength, design, and clinical factors are crucial for their long-term performance.