The objective of this study was to develop an analytical model to calculate transient and residual (tempering) stresses in dental porcelain plates subjected to cooling rates used by commercial laboratories. The model incorporates linear viscoelasticity and structural relaxation effects. The viscosities of three experimental body porcelains and three experimental opaque porcelains as a function of temperature were calculated from creep rates measured in a bending beam viscometer. Measurements were made under thermal equilibrium conditions for temperatures ranging from 550 degrees C to 625 degrees C. Thermal expansion data measured in a differential dilatometer at slow heating rates were supplied by the manufacturer. Temperature distribution in the plates as a function of convective heat transfer coefficient, initial plate temperature, and plate thickness was calculated by use of standard numerical techniques. Calculations of transient and residual stress were performed for one body porcelain, for two plate thicknesses, and for three variable cooling rates. Calculated surface residual stresses were strongly dependent on plate thickness, cooling rate, and initial soak temperature. For the cases studied, the maximum residual surface compressive stress was 26.4 MPa.