Glidewell Laboratories to Cease Production of Conventional PFMs

Glidewell Laboratories, industry-leading provider of dental laboratory products and services, announced today that production of conventional feldspathic PFMs will cease companywide effective October 1, 2016. All future PFM cases prescribed from the lab will use Obsidian® lithium silicate ceramic in place of feldspathic porcelain.

When compared to conventional PFMs, Obsidian Pressed to Metal crowns and bridges represent a higher standard of care in ceramo-metal restorations. Obsidian lithium silicate ceramic exhibits over four times the flexural strength and two times the chip resistance of traditional porcelains. The material polishes beautifully and is kinder to opposing dentition than previous PFM ceramics. The increased toughness of Obsidian makes it ideal for bridges, cases with insufficient vertical space for full-contour zirconia, and screw-retained restorations.  

Obsidian’s...