Fracture Strength of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconium-Dioxide (Y-TZP) Fixed Dental Prostheses (FDPs) with Different Abutment Core Thicknesses and Connector Dimensions

• Published in: Journal of prosthodontics 2013-07, Vol.22 (5), p.377-382
• Main Authors: Ambré, Marcus J., Aschan, Fredrik, von Steyern, Per Vult
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: abutment core thickness; Ceramics; Cold Temperature; connector dimension; Dental Abutments; Dental Materials - chemistry; Dental Prosthesis Design; Dental Restoration Failure; Dental Veneers; Dentistry; Denture Design; Denture, Partial, Fixed; fixed dental prosthesis; fracture strength; Hot Temperature; Humans; Materials Testing; Mechanical properties; Post and Core Technique - instrumentation; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties; Tooth Preparation, Prosthodontic - methods; Yttria-stabilized zirconium-dioxide; Yttrium - chemistry; Zirconium; Zirconium - chemistry
• ISSN: 1059-941X; 1532-849X; 1532-849X
• DOI: 10.1111/jopr.12003

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the fracture strength and fracture mode of yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y‐TZP) posterior three‐unit FDPs with varying connector dimension and abutment core thickness. Materials and Methods Seventy 3‐unit posterior FDP cores made of Y‐TZP were divided into 7 groups with varying connector dimensions and abutment core thicknesses. All the FDPs underwent a simulated aging process including veneering, firing applications, thermocycling, and cyclic preloading. Finally the FDPs were subjected to load until fracture. Results Significant difference was seen between the different subgroups (p < 0.05). Groups with the same connector dimension showed no significant difference in fracture strength. All fractures of the specimens involved the connector. Conclusions Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the strength of an all‐ceramic Y‐TZP FDP beam depends more on the connector dimension than on the thickness of the abutment core. Results indicate that the minimum abutment core thickness of an all‐ceramic Y‐TZP FDP might be reduced, compared to the recommended thickness, without reducing the strength of the reconstruction. This indication, however, needs to be verified by further studies before being considered generally applicable.