The aim of this study was to investigate how changes in the thermal characteristics of veneer ceramics with almost identical chemical and mechanical properties but with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) can modify their interfacial adhesion to zirconia. 48 bilayers made of one Y-TZP ceramic and four veneer ceramics were fabricated (n=12). Thermal residual stresses were calculated on the basis of the CTE and glass transition temperatures. After defined notching all specimens were loaded in a four-point bending test and the critical loads were recorded which induced stable crack extension at the adhesion interface. The strain energy release rate (G, J/m(2)) was calculated and was taken as a measure of interfacial adhesion. The CTE of the veneer ceramics were significantly correlated with their adhesion to Y-TZP (p<0.001). Interfacial adhesion in zirconia/veneer bilayers is predominantly affected by the thermal characteristics of the veneer ceramic.