Effect of loading method on the fracture mechanics of two layered all-ceramic restorative systems.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this research was to evaluate both the fracture and impact strength of two core veneered all-ceramic systems and to reveal whether the speed of loading affects fracture mechanism.


METHODS
The absorbed energy by (IPS)Empress-Eris crowns and Cercon-Ceram S crowns in a fracture strength test was compared by the energy absorbed in an impact strength test. The principles of fractography were used to identify fracture origin and dimensions and to calculate the stress at failure. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to rationalize the results.


RESULTS
For the (IPS)Empress 2-Eris crowns, there was a significant difference in the energy absorbed for the fracture test and the impact test, where for the Cercon-Ceram S, there was no significant difference. Despite the high strength of the zirconia cores there was no significant difference in the energy absorbed between the two systems in the impact strength test. The dominant mode of failure of layered all-ceramic restorations under occlusal loading is cone cracking in the veneering ceramic.


CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that to exploit the high strength of the zirconia cores the strength of the veneering ceramic has to improve as delamination and cone cracking of the veneer are the most expected failure modes.
Aboushelib
Moustafa N
MN
Department of Dental Material Science, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam, Universiteit van Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, The Netherlands. mabou@acta.nl
de Jager
Niek
N
Kleverlaan
Cornelis J
CJ
Feilzer
Albert J
AJ
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003442:Crowns; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003801:Dental Veneers; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006244:Hardness; D008422:Materials Testing; D015040:Zirconium
D003776:Dental Porcelain; D015040:Zirconium; C028541:zirconium oxide