PFM Bridges

A rigid cast framework under stratified porcelain — the multi-unit restoration dentists still choose for posterior and longer-span bridges where durability leads.

For multi-unit work, the porcelain-fused-to-metal bridge has a long, dependable record. A rigid cast framework carries the span; layered porcelain does the esthetics — a proven workhorse for durable posterior bridges.

Jahn De Khudikine, Founder · Universal Dental Lab
Jahn De Khudikine Founder · Universal Dental Lab

Why send it here

A bridge that rocks at try-in costs you a chair. We cast and layer to a passive framework.

A practice's schedule lives or dies by the lab — I've watched one late case push back a whole day of chair time.

So I still know the cases moving through this lab, and I answer for how each one is made. Send a case here and it doesn't drop into a queue — it lands with me and one technician who carries it start to finish.

Start a case
Cast framework
A rigid cast metal framework carries the span — strong, reliable connectors The proven workhorse for posterior and longer-span bridges
Fit before porcelain
Framework fit-checked on every abutment before any ceramic is layered Shade verified against your photos across the span before glaze
Your technician
One person holds your case Reach them directly — no call-center queue
Free scanner
3Shape TRIOS 6 for partners Go fully digital at no cost

Material Comparison

PFM, Zirconia, or Implant-Supported?

The multi-unit decision usually comes down to a proven framework, metal-free esthetics, or removing load from natural abutments. We make all three.

PFM bridge framework layered with stratified porcelain
PFM Bridges You are here
Monolithic zirconia bridge on the master model
Zirconia Bridges
Bridge seated on implant abutments, master model
Implant-Supported Bridges
Structure Cast metal framework + porcelain Monolithic / layered zirconia Bridge on implants
Esthetics Good metal margin risk at anterior abutments Good to excellent metal-free Varies depends on material
Best for Proven durability, posterior, long spans Metal-free strength, bruxers No suitable natural abutments

Framework, esthetics, and indication vary with alloy, span, and margin design. The notes above are typical guidance — confirm span-specific requirements with the lab before you prep.

Framework
Cast metal — high-noble, noble, or base-metal
Veneering
Stratified dental porcelain
Occlusal reduction
1.5–2.0 mm on abutments
Turnaround
Quoted per case at intake
PFM bridge framework cast by lost-wax before porcelain

Overview

A Cast Framework Built to Span

For multi-unit work, the porcelain-fused-to-metal bridge has a long, dependable record. A rigid cast framework carries the span and the connectors; layered porcelain does the esthetics — a division of labor that has held up across decades of posterior bridges.

We cast the framework by lost-wax, then stratify and fire porcelain to the prescribed shade over it. The consideration is the same as for a single unit, multiplied across abutments: a metal margin can show at an anterior abutment as tissue changes.

  • Strong connectors: Metal connectors are strong and reliable across a span — the long-standing advantage of the cast framework.

  • Alloy to the case: High-noble and noble where biocompatibility and bond reliability lead; base-metal where economy and rigidity lead.

Learn more
A ceramist layering porcelain across a metal bridge framework

At the Bench

Framework First, Then Porcelain

The framework is waxed, cast, and fit-checked across every abutment on the model before porcelain begins. Then the ceramic is layered and fired in stratified stages, stained, and glazed to match the adjacent dentition along the span.

  • Framework fit: Verified on every abutment on the model before any porcelain is applied.

  • Layered porcelain: Applied and fired in controlled, stratified cycles to the prescribed shade.

  • Shade across the span: Confirmed against your photos under corrected lighting before glaze.

Learn more

Before you prep

Tell us where each abutment margin sits relative to the tissue — it drives the metal-versus-porcelain margin choice and the long-term esthetics. A metal collar is honest posterior; a porcelain butt margin protects an anterior abutment.

Case Selection

When a PFM Bridge Is the Right Call

Indicated for

  • Posterior multi-unit bridges where a proven, durable restoration is the priority
  • Longer spans that benefit from a rigid cast metal framework
  • Cases with a history of fracture on all-ceramic multi-unit work
  • Retentive abutment preparations suited to conventional cementation
  • Situations where a metal collar at the abutment margins is acceptable

Consider an alternative when

  • Maximum anterior esthetics and a metal-free result drive the case — a zirconia bridge is the better call
  • A visible metal margin at an anterior abutment would compromise the smile line
  • The abutments are compromised and cannot carry a conventional bridge — consider implant support
  • The patient specifically requests a metal-free restoration

Specifications

PFM Bridge Specifications

Preparation, framework, and cementation data for planning the bridge chairside.

Typical parameters for the metal-ceramic bridges we fabricate.
Framework Cast metal framework — high-noble, noble, or base-metal alloy — produced by lost-wax casting
Veneering Stratified dental porcelain layered and fired to the prescribed shade over the framework
Strength The rigid cast framework carries the span; porcelain provides esthetics. A time-tested combination for posterior and longer-span bridges
Connector strength Metal connectors are strong and reliable across a span, a long-standing advantage of the cast framework
Occlusal reduction 1.5–2.0 mm on abutments to accommodate the coping and porcelain
Axial reduction 1.2–1.5 mm; more where a porcelain margin is planned
Margin design Metal collar, or a porcelain butt margin at esthetic abutments
Cementation Conventional cements (glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer, or zinc phosphate); retention comes from the abutment preparations
Alloy options High-noble and noble where biocompatibility and bond reliability lead; base-metal where economy and rigidity lead
Turnaround Quoted per case at intake

Reduction and framework figures are typical guidance for metal-ceramic bridges and vary with alloy, span, and margin design. Confirm span-specific requirements with the lab before you prep.

Case Submission

Sending a PFM Bridge Case

We accept scans from all major intraoral systems, including iTero, 3Shape, and Medit — or a conventional impression if your practice has not gone digital.

Include with the case:

  • STL or impression of the prepped arch and the opposing arch
  • Bite registration
  • Shade documentation and photographs for the porcelain match
  • Abutments and pontics identified across the span
  • Alloy preference and margin instruction per abutment

Tell us where each abutment margin sits relative to the tissue — it drives the metal-versus-porcelain margin choice and the long-term esthetics. New to the lab? Open an account and we will walk you through the first case.

Start a case

Send one case. Keep the scanner.

Open a partner account and your first case moves with a shade record and our remake guarantee — if a unit does not seat, we redo it at no charge.

  • Free 3Shape TRIOS 6 scanner for active partners
  • Under-2% remake rate — remakes at no charge
  • One named technician you reach directly — no call center

Prefer to talk? +1 747-268-0808

No call center — you hear back from the lab, not a bot.

PFM Bridge FAQ

PFM Bridges — Questions Dentists Ask

Reach for PFM when you want a cast framework’s rigidity across a longer span, a proven metal-ceramic habit, or an anterior abutment where a metal collar or porcelain margin needs careful planning. Choose zirconia when you want metal-free, a monolithic mill, or a faster digital path. For longer spans or questionable abutments, ask us which design we would trust before you prep.

Send an STL or impression of the prepped and opposing arches, a bite registration, and shade documentation with photographs for the porcelain match. Identify the abutments and pontics across the span, note the alloy preference, and tell us where each margin sits relative to the tissue — that decides metal collar versus porcelain margin at each abutment.

On longer spans we often plan a framework try-in so passive fit is confirmed before ceramic. On shorter spans we still fit-check the cast framework on the model before any porcelain is applied. Framework fit and porcelain shade are the two things that send PFM bridges back — both get checked before the case finishes.

We cast high-noble, noble, and base-metal alloys against the case. High-noble and noble bring biocompatibility and a reliable porcelain bond; base metal brings rigidity and economy. Note metal sensitivity or an alloy preference on the prescription and we will match it.

A PFM bridge is staged — framework casting and fit verification, then porcelain layering — so it typically runs longer than a monolithic zirconia mill. A longer span or a framework try-in adds time. Complete records across every abutment keep each stage moving.

How to send a file

Switching labs, de-risked

New to us? If the framework does not seat, we remake it at our cost when it is a lab error. We keep a shade record for your practice, so the second span starts from what worked on the first. See what the remake policy covers.

Let's talk

+1 747-268-0808 Contact the lab

More Insights

Partner Offer

A Free Intraoral Scanner for Partner Practices

Partner with Universal Dental Lab and we place a 3Shape TRIOS 6 Wireless in your operatory — free for the length of our partnership. Scan the prep, send it in seconds, and skip impressions entirely.

Send Your First Case Talk to a lab specialist