Influence of thermomechanical fatigue loading on the fracture resistance of all-ceramic posterior crowns

Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2010 Jun;18(2):50-4.

Abstract

This study evaluated the fracture resistance and the survival rate of different all-ceramic crowns in-vitro after thermomechanical fatigue loading in comparison to porcelain-fused-to-metal posterior crowns. Sixteen crowns for human mandibular first molars were made of each of the following: Cercon, IPS-Empress 2 In-Ceram Zirconia, Procera AllZircon and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Half of the specimens of each group was thermocycled and dynamically loaded using a chewing simulator All samples were thereafter tested for the maximum fracture resistance. The survival rates after 1-2 million cycles in the artificial mouth were 100% in all the tested crown systems. The chewing simulation and thermocycling did not significantly decrease the fracture strength of the ceramic crowns (P>0.005). The median fracture load of Cercon, Procera AllZircon, In-Ceram Zirconia and PFM was significantly higher than IPS-Empress 2 both for loaded and non loaded groups (P<0.005) while the difference between Cercon, Procera AllZircon, In-Ceram Zirconia and PFM was not significant (P>0.005). All-ceramic systems showed fracture load values similar to those of porcelain-fused-to-metal molar crowns and therefore may be considered for use in clinical studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromium Alloys
  • Crowns*
  • Dental Porcelain*
  • Dental Restoration Failure*
  • Dental Stress Analysis
  • Humans
  • Lithium Compounds
  • Metal Ceramic Alloys*
  • Molar
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Zirconium

Substances

  • Chromium Alloys
  • Lithium Compounds
  • Metal Ceramic Alloys
  • Dental Porcelain
  • Zirconium
  • zirconium oxide