Mechanical and fracture behavior of veneer–framework composites for all-ceramic dental bridges

Objectives High-strength ceramics are required in dental posterior restorations in order to withstand the excessive tensile stresses that occur during mastication. The aim of this study was to investigate the fracture behavior and the fast-fracture mechanical strength of three veneer–framework composites (Empress 2/IPS Eris, TZP/Cercon S and Inceram–Zirconia/Vita VM7) for all-ceramic dental bridges. Methods The load bearing capacity of the veneer–framework composites were evaluated using a bending mechanical apparatus. The stress distribution through the rectangular-shaped layered samples was assessed using simple beam calculations and used to estimate the fracture strength of the veneer layer. Optical microscopy of fractured specimens was employed to determine the origin of cracks and the fracture mode. Results Under fast fracture conditions, cracks were observed to initiate on, or close to, the veneer outer surface and propagate towards the inner framework material. Crack deflection occurred at the veneer–framework interface of composites containing a tough framework material (TZP/Cercon S and Inceram–Zirconia/Vita VM7), as opposed to the straight propagation observed in the case of weaker frameworks (Empress 2/IPS Eris). Significance The mechanical strength of dental composites containing a weak framework (KIC < 3 MPa m1/2) is ultimately determined by the low fracture strength of the veneer layer, since no crack arresting occurs at the veneer–framework interface. Therefore, high-toughness ceramics (KIC > 5 MPa m1/2) should be used as framework materials of posterior all-ceramic bridges, so that cracks propagating from the veneer layer do not lead to a premature failure of the prosthesis.