Effect of implant type on the stability of cantilever fixed dental prostheses: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To simulate the replacement of a premolar with an implant-supported cantilever fixed dental prosthesis (ICFDP) and how the fracture load is affected by implant type, positioning within the zirconia blank, and aging protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two ICFDPs were designed either within the enamel- or dentin layer of a 4Y-PSZ blank for bone-level and tissue-level titanium-zirconium implants. Fracture load was obtained on the cantilever at baseline (no aging) or after aging in a chewing simulator with the load applied within the implant axis (axial aging) or on the cantilever (12 groups with n = 6). A three-way ANOVA was applied (α = .05). RESULTS: A three-way ANOVA revealed a significant effect on fracture load values of implant type (p = .006) and aging (p < .001) but not for the position within the zirconia blank (p = .847). Fracture load values significantly increased from baseline bone level (608 ± 118 N) and tissue level (880 ± 293 N) when the implants were aged axially, with higher values for tissue level (1065 ± 182 N) than bone level (797 ± 113 N) (p < .001). However, when the force was applied to the cantilever, fracture load values decreased significantly for tissue-level (493 ± 70 N), while values for bone-level implants remained stable (690 ± 135 N). CONCLUSIONS: For ICFDPs, the use of bone-level implants is reasonable as catastrophic failures are likely to be restricted to the restoration, whereas with tissue-level implants, the transmucosal portion of the implant is susceptible to deformation, making repair more difficult.

Initial damage and failure load of zirconia-ceramic and metal-ceramic posterior cantilever fixed partial dentures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare failure load and initial damage in monolithic, partially veneered, and completely veneered (translucent) zirconia cantilevered fixed partial dentures (CFPDs), as well as completely veneered metal-ceramic CFPDs under different support and loading configurations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight test groups with anatomically congruent CFPDs (n = 8/group) were fabricated, differing in CFPD material/support structure/loading direction (load applied via steel ball (Ø 6 mm) 3 mm from the distal end of the pontic for axial loading with a 2-point contact on the inner cusp ridges of the buccal and oral cusps and 1.3 mm below the oral cusp tip for 30° oblique loading): (1) monolithic zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/axial, (2) monolithic zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/oblique, (3) partially veneered zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/axial, (4) partially veneered zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/oblique, (5) completely veneered zirconia/CoCr abutment teeth/axial, (6) completely veneered CoCr/CoCr abutment teeth/axial (control group), (7) partially veneered zirconia/implants/axial, and (8) partially veneered zirconia/natural teeth/axial. Restorations were artificially aged before failure testing. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. RESULTS: Mean failure loads ranged from 392 N (group 8) to 1181 N (group 1). Axially loaded monolithic zirconia CFPDs (group 1) and controls (group 6) showed significantly higher failure loads. Oblique loading significantly reduced failure loads for monolithic zirconia CFPDs (group 2). Initial damage was observed in all groups except monolithic zirconia groups, and fractography revealed design flaws (sharp edges at the occlusal boundary of the veneering window) in partially veneered zirconia CFPDs. CONCLUSIONS: Monolithic zirconia CFPDs might be a viable alternative to completely veneered CoCr CFPDs in terms of fracture load. However, oblique loading of monolithic zirconia CFPDs should be avoided in clinical scenarios. Design improvements are required for partially veneered zirconia CFPDs to enhance their load-bearing capacity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Monolithic zirconia may represent a viable all-ceramic alternative to the established metal-ceramic option for CFPD fabrication. However, in daily clinical practice, careful occlusal adjustment and regular monitoring should ensure that oblique loading of the cantilever is avoided.

Effect of Different Sintering Procedures on Marginal and Internal Fit, Color, and Fracture Load of Monolithic Zirconia Fixed Partial Prosthesis.

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study is to investigate the effects of different sintering procedures on the fit, color parameters, and fracture load of monolithic fixed partial prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Metal model was scanned and fixed partial prosthesis was designed. Groups were created by fabricating fixed partial prosthesis by using four different sinterization procedures (Prettau-Standard (PST), Prettau-Slow (PSL), Ice-Speed (IS), Ice-Standard (IST), n=10). PST-PSL (Group P, N=20) and IS-IST (Group I, N=20) were colored with different coloring liquids. The marginal and internal fit were measured using the silicone replica method. CIELAB values of the samples were measured using a spectrophotometer. Then, for each sample, the die was obtained from polymethyl methacrylate. The specimens were cemented into dies and tested in a universal testing machine for fracture load. One-way ANOVA were performed to assess the effect of the sintering procedure on the marginal and internal fit, fracture load, and ∆E00, ∆L', ∆C', and ∆H' values of fixed partial prosthesis. RESULTS: PSL and PST groups showed significantly smaller internal and marginal fit compared to the IS group. Additionally, IST group internal fit values were significantly higher than Prettau groups. Sintering time reduction led to a decrease in ∆E00 values. Fracture loads values were not statistically significantly affected by the different sintering procedures in both brands. CONCLUSION: Different sintering procedures did not have a clinically significant effect on fit and fracture load. Different sintering procedures were found to have an impact on the color change of monolithic zirconia restorations.

Co-Influence of Restoration Bonding and Inlay Cavity Design on Fracture Load of Restored Tooth.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the co-influence of indirect mesio- occlusal-distal (MOD) cavity geometry and inlay restoration bonding on quasi-static fracture load of the restored tooth. METHODS: Forty-eight intact human molar teeth were selected and prepared for standardized edge-shaped or round-shaped MOD cavities. The resin composite (Cerasmart, GC) inlays were bonded with the state-of-the-art inlay bonding protocol or with intentionally deteriorated bonding using n-hexane-wax solution for preconditioning. Restored teeth were loaded along the long axis of the tooth. Ultimate fracture load was recorded, and the type of fracture was visually determined and classified. Statistical analysis of load values was performed by Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Round-shaped cavity design with bonded restoration presented the highest fracture load (1658N). Bonding had significant influence on the fracture load of roundshaped cavity design (p=0.0003), whereas cavity design had no influence when the bonding was deteriorated (p=0.8075). In the case of deteriorated bonding, either the inlay or tooth fractured separately whereas in the bonded inlays fractures were commonly found both in the tooth and inlay. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, bonded inlay restoration increased fracture resistance, while cavity design had no statistical difference on fracture resistance of the restored tooth.

The influence of titanium-base abutment geometry and height on mechanical stability of implant-supported single crowns.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the influence of titanium base (ti-base) abutment macro- and micro-geometry on the mechanical stability of polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) screw-retained implant-supported single crowns (iSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve specimens per group were used, comprising six different implant/ti-base abutment combinations restored with PICN iSCs: Nb-T (gingival height [GH]: 1.5 mm, prosthetic height [PH]: 4.3 mm), CC (GH: 0.8 mm, PH: 4.3 mm), CC-P (GH: 0.8 mm, PH: 7 mm), Nb-V (GH: 1.5 mm, PH: 6 mm), St (GH: 1.5 mm, PH: 5.5 mm), and Th (GH: 0.5 mm, PH: 9 mm). The specimens underwent thermo-mechanical aging, and those that survived were subsequently subjected to static loading until failure. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey post hoc test (α = .05). RESULTS: All specimens survived thermo-mechanical aging without complications, namely, visible cracks, debonding, or screw loosening. Th group demonstrated the highest strength values among all the groups, with significant differences compared to Nb-T (p < .05), CC (p < .001), and St (p < .001). Additionally, CC-P group exhibited significantly superior fracture strength results compared to CC (p < .05) and St (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The choice of ti-base, particularly prosthetic height, had a significant influence on fracture resistance of PICN iSCs. Nevertheless, the height or geometrical features of the ti-base did not exhibit a significant influence on the mechanical behavior of the iSC/ti-base assembly under thermomechanical loading, as all specimens withstood the aging without complication or failure.

Load-bearing capacity and wear characteristics of short fiber-reinforced composite and glass ceramic fixed partial dentures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate load-bearing capacity and wear performance of experimental short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC) and conventional lithium-disilicate CAD/CAM fabricated fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Two groups (n = 12/group) of three-unit CAD/CAM fabricated posterior FPDs were made. The first group used experimental SFRC blocks, and the second group fabricated from lithium-disilicate (IPS e.max CAD). All FPDs were luted on a zirconia testing jig with dual-curing resin cement. Half of FPDs per group were quasi-statically loaded until fracture. The other half experienced cyclic fatigue aging (100.000 cycles, Fmax = 500 N) before loading quasi-statically until fracture. Fracture mode was examined using SEM. Wear test was performed using 15,000 loading cycles. Both material type and aging had a significant effect on the load-bearing capacity of FPDs. Experimental SFRC CAD without fatigue aging had significantly the highest load-bearing capacity (2096 ± 149N). Cyclic fatigue aging decreased the load-bearing capacity of the SFRC group (1709 ± 188N) but increased it for the lithium-disilicate group (1546 ± 155N). Wear depth values of SFRC CAD (29.3µm) were significantly lower compared to lithium-disilicate (54.2µm). Experimental SFRC CAD demonstrated the highest load-bearing capacity before and after cyclic fatigue aging, and superior wear behavior compared to the control material.

Strength of implant-supported lithium disilicate and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network restorations after thermomechanical aging.

AIM: To evaluate the fracture load and type of failure of two different monolithic restorative materials bonded to standardized titanium bases and fabricated by two different procedures regarding the bonding interface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All screw-retained implant crown specimens (n = 40), subjected to fatigue by thermomechanical loading, differed in the restorative material (lithium disilicate [LDS] or polymer-infiltrated ceramic network [PICN], referred to as 'hybrid ceramic' [HYC]) and the interface type between the restorative material and the titanium base abutment (prefabricated ex-factory or produced during a CAM-milling procedure). This resulted in the following groups (n = 10/group): 1) LDS-M: lithium disilicate crown with a CAM-milled interface; 2) LDS-P: lithium disilicate crown with a prefabricated interface; 3) HYC-M: PICN crown with a CAM-milled interface; and 4) HYC-P: PICN crown with a prefabricated interface. Aged specimens underwent static fracture load testing. The load (N) at which the initial crack occurred was denoted as Finitial, and the maximal load (N) at which the restorations fractured as Fmax. All specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope to determine the failure mode. RESULTS: The median Finitial values were 180 N for LDS-M, 343 N for LDS-P, 340 N for HYC-M, and 190 N for HYC-P. The median Fmax values were 1822 N for LDS-M, 2039 N for LDS-P, 1454 N for HYC-M, and 1581 N for HYC-P. The intergroup differences were significant for Finitial (KW: P = 0.0042) and for Fmax (KW: P = 0.0010). The failure types also showed differences between the restorative groups. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of restorative material had a stronger influence on the fracture load than the abutment interface workflow. Lithium disilicate showed the highest load for initial crack appearance (Finitial) and for complete fracture of the restoration (Fmax).

Marginal discrepancy and fracture load of thermomechanically fatigued crowns fabricated with different CAD-CAM techniques.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of CAD-CAM technique (monolithic, CAD-on, or CAD-on cemented) and thermomechanical fatigue on the marginal discrepancy and fracture load of ceramic crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 90 brass master dies were fabricated to investigate marginal adaptation and fracture load. A mandibular first molar crown's median measurements were loaded into CAD software and divided into 2 crown design groups: Monolithic (M)(IPS e.max zirCAD)(n = 30) or CAD-on core (IPS e.max zirCAD) and lithium disilicate veneer (IPS e.max CAD) (n = 60). The crowns and cores were milled, seated on their respective dies, and marginal discrepancy values were measured by using microcomputed tomography. After veneers were milled, the cores in the veneer groups were divided into 2 groups; veneers bonded with fusion glass-ceramic (IPS e.max CAD Crystal) in CAD-on group (CO) and CAD-on cemented group (CO-C) where veneers were cemented (RelyX U200) onto cores (CO-C). The marginal discrepancy measurements were remade and the crowns were subjected to thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) by using a chewing simulator and thermocycling (5-55°C, 1,200,000 cycles). Marginal discrepancy measurements were repeated and the crowns were subjected to fracture load test by using a universal test device. Data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's honestly significant difference test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All crown groups had similar marginal discrepancy before veneering. Veneering and cementation on die increased the marginal discrepancy of crowns in cemented CAD-on group. Thermomechanical fatigue increased the marginal discrepancy of both CAD-on groups. Monolithic crown group had the lowest marginal discrepancy after thermomechanical fatigue (p < 0.001), and the highest fracture load (p < 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Fabrication technique affected the marginal fit and fracture load of CAD-CAM crowns after thermomechanical fatigue. All crowns survived the thermomechanical fatigue test without dislodgement or fracture. Monolithic crowns had the best fit and highest fracture load after fatigue testing. The CAD-on systems had similar marginal discrepancies, and static loading reproduced veneer chipping.

Impact of the material and sintering protocol, layer thickness, and thermomechanical aging on the two-body wear and fracture load of 4Y-TZP crowns.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the material and corresponding sintering protocol, layer thickness, and aging on the two-body wear (2BW) and fracture load (FL) of 4Y-TZP crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multi-layer 4Y-TZP crowns in three thicknesses (0.5 mm/1.0 mm/1.5 mm) were sintered by high-speed (Zolid RS) or conventional (Zolid Gen-X) sintering. 2BW of ceramic and enamel antagonist after aging (1,200,000 mechanical-, 6000 thermal-cycles) was determined by 3D-scanning before and after aging and subsequent matching to determine volume and height loss (6 subgroups, n = 16/subgroup). FL was examined initially and after aging (12 subgroups, n = 16/subgroup). Fractographic analyses were performed using light-microscope imaging. Global univariate analysis of variance, one-way ANOVA, linear regression, Spearman's correlation, Kolgomorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, and t test were computed (alpha = 0.05). Weibull moduli were determined. Fracture types were analyzed using Ciba Geigy table. RESULTS: Material/sintering protocol did not influence 2BW (crowns: p = 0.908, antagonists: p = 0.059). High-speed sintered Zolid RS presented similar (p = 0.325-0.633) or reduced (p < 0.001-0.047) FL as Zolid Gen-X. Both 4Y-TZPs showed an increased FL with an increasing thickness (0.5(797.3-1429 N) < 1.0(2087-2634 N) < 1.5(2683-3715 N)mm; p < 0.001). For most groups, aging negatively impacted FL (p < 0.001-0.002). Five 0.5 mm specimens fractured, four showed cracks during and after aging. CONCLUSIONS: High-speed sintered crowns with a minimum thickness of 1.0 mm showed sufficient mechanical properties to withstand masticatory forces, even after a simulated aging period of 5 years. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite the manufacturer indicating a thickness of 0.5 mm to be suitable for single crowns, a minimum thickness of 1.0 mm should be used to ensure long-term satisfactory results.

Fatigue resistance and fracture strength of narrow-diameter one-piece zirconia implants with angled abutments.

OBJECTIVE: Zirconia implants are assumed to satisfy the esthetic requirements that titanium implants cannot meet, however, there are not enough studies in the literature about narrow-diameter and angled zirconia implants that can be preferred especially in the anterior region. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the fatigue resistance and fracture strength of narrow-diameter zirconia implants with angled abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight one-piece experimental zirconia implants and monolithic zirconia crowns were produced from 3-YTZP blanks. The implant diameters (3.0 or 3.7 mm) and the restoration types were determined according to three intraoral regions (upper central incisors, lower central incisors, and upper canine), and abutments were designed as straight or 15° angled. The samples were subjected to chewing simulation corresponding to 5 years of clinical performance and then the static loading test. The survival rates of groups were measured by the Kaplan-Meier log-rank test, and the fracture load values were estimated by using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All 3.0 mm diameter implants failed the fatigue test. The fatigue resistance of the implants with angled abutments was significantly lower than the straight abutments, and different crown designs were found to affect survival rates significantly. The fracture strengths of the surviving groups were above the maximum physiological chewing forces, and the differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The implant diameter, abutment angle, and restoration type have a significant effect on the fatigue behavior of zirconia implants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The fracture strengths of the one-piece zirconia implants with a 3.7 mm diameter and a 15° abutment angle are above the chewing forces for the anterior intraoral region.

Survivability and fracture resistance of monolithic and multi-yttria-layered zirconia crowns as a function of yttria content: A mastication simulation study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare four different types of monolithic zirconia crowns in terms of survival rate and fracture resistance after thermocycling and/or thermo-mechanical loading in a chewing simulator. METHODS: Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) crowns with fiber-reinforced resin die assemblies (n = 80) were fabricated using: multi-yttria-layered 5Y-PSZ/3Y-PSZ, multi-yttria-layered 5Y-PSZ/4Y-PSZ, monolithic 4Y-PSZ, and monolithic 3Y-PSZ as control (n = 20). Half of the samples in each group were subjected to thermo-mechanical loading under 110 N, 1.4 Hz, 1.2 million cycles with simultaneous thermocycling (10,000 cycles, 5-55°C). The other half were subjected to thermocycling alone. The samples were loaded to failure to measure their fracture resistance. The data were analyzed using by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All specimens survived the aging protocols. The yttria content significantly affected the fracture resistance of the crowns (p < 0.0001). The mean fracture resistance, from highest to lowest: 3Y-PSZ, 4Y-PSZ, followed by the two multi-yttria-layered systems. The mean difference between the two multi-yttria-layered systems were not statistically significant (p = 0.98). The mechanical loading protocol did not affect the mean fracture resistance within each group (p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Within each group, there was no difference in fracture resistance after thermocycling alone and thermo-mechanical loading. However, increasing the yttria concentration at the occlusal third of the crown decreased its fracture resistance. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The term "monolithic zirconia" alone without specifying the actual yttria content is misleading. This term represents different materials with different mechanical properties. The yttria content has an inverse relationship with the fracture resistance of zirconia crowns. The fracture resistance of multi-layer zirconia crowns is determined by the amount of the weaker zirconia phase at the occlusal part of the restoration rather than enforced by the stronger zirconia at the cervical part of the crown.

Periprosthetic fractures after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: On rare occasions, fractures of the tibial plateau may occur after uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and account for 2% of total UKA failures. The purpose of this narrative review is to identify and discuss potential risk factors that might lead to prevention of this invalidating complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic database of Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar were searched. A total of 457 articles related to the topic were found. Of those, 86 references were included in this narrative review. RESULTS: UKA implantation acts as a stress riser in the medial compartment. To avoid fractures, surgeons need to balance load and bone stock. Post-operative lower limb alignment, implant positioning, level of resection and sizing of the tibial tray have a strong influence on load distribution of the tibial bone. Pain on weight-bearing signals bone-load imbalance and acts as an indicator of bone remodeling and should be a trigger for unloading. The first three months after surgery are critical because of transient post-operative osteoporosis and local biomechanical changes. Acquired osteoporosis is a growing concern in the arthroplasty population. Split fractures require internal fixation, while subsidence fractures differ in their management depending of the amount of bone impaction. Loose implants require revision knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: Peri-prosthetic fracture is a rare, but troublesome event, which can lead to implant failure and revision surgery. Better knowledge of the multifactorial risk factors in association with a thorough surgical technique is key for prevention.

The influence of aging on the fracture load of milled monolithic crowns.

BACKGROUND: This in-vitro study was conducted to assess the effect of aging on the fracture load of molar crowns fabricated with monolithic CAD/CAM materials. METHODS: The crown restorations were produced from Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and IPS e.max CAD blocks. Aging was applied to the 10 samples each of monolithic CAD/CAM materials (n = 10). Dual-axis chewing simulator (50 N, 1.1 Hz, lateral movement: 1 mm, mouth opening: 2 mm, 1,200,000 cycles) and thermocycling (± 5-55 °C, 6000 cycles) were applied as an aging procedure. 10 samples each of monolithic CAD/CAM materials without aging (n = 10) were considered the control group. 6 tested groups were obtained. Then, all samples were evaluated in a universal testing machine to determine the fracture loading values'. RESULTS: There was not a statistically significant difference between the fracture load values before and after aging for all samples of Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and IPS e.max CAD (p > 0.005). In a comparison of the monolithic materials together, a statistically significant difference was found between the fracture load values of IPS e.max CAD and Vita Enamic crowns before aging (p = 0.02). Also, Vita Enamic crowns (1978,71 ± 364,05 N) were found different from the IPS e.max CAD (p = 0.005) and Cerasmart crowns (p = 0.041) after aging. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic aging with 1.200.000 cycles was found to have no effect to fracture loading on milled Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, and IPS e.max CAD monolithic crowns.

Fracture Resistance Behaviors of Titanium-Zirconium and Zirconia Implants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fracture resistance behaviors of titanium-zirconium, one-piece zirconia, and two-piece zirconia implants restored by zirconia crowns and different combinations of abutment materials (zirconia and titanium) and retention modes (cement-retained and screw-retained zirconia crowns). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three research groups (n=12) were evaluated according to combinations of abutment material, retention mode, and implant type. In the control group (TTC), titanium-zirconium implants (∅ 4.1 mm RN, 12 mm, Roxolid; Straumann USA, Andover, MA) and prefabricated titanium abutments (RN synOcta Cementable Abutment, H 5.5 mm; Straumann USA) were used to support cement-retained zirconia crowns. In the second group (ZZC), one-piece zirconia implants (PURE Ceramic Implant Monotype, ∅ 4.1 mm RD, 12 mm, AH 5.5 mm; Straumann USA) were used to support cement-retained zirconia crowns. In the third group (ZTS), two-piece zirconia implants (PURE Ceramic Implant, ∅ 4.1 mm RD, 12 mm) and prefabricated titanium abutments (CI RD PUREbase Abutment, H 5.5 mm) were used to support screw-retained zirconia crowns. All zirconia crowns were manufactured in the same anatomic contour with a 5-axis dental mill and blended 3 and 5 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (LayZir A2). Implants were inserted into specimen holders made of epoxy resin-glass fiber composite. All specimens were then subject to artificial aging in an incubator at 37°C for 90 days. Fracture resistance of specimen assemblies was tested under static compression load using the universal testing machine based on ISO14801 specification. The peak fracture loads were recorded. All specimens were examined at the end of the test microscopically at 5× and 10× magnification to detect any catastrophic failures. Comparisons between groups for differences in peak fracture load were made using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests and Weibull and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The TTC group (942 ± 241 N) showed significantly higher peak fracture loads than the ZZC (645 ± 165 N) and ZTS (650 ± 124 N) groups (p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference between ZZC and ZTS groups (p = 0.940). The survival probability based on the Weibull and Kaplan-Meier models demonstrated different failure molds between titanium-zirconium and zirconia implants, in which the TTC group remained in the plastic strain zone for a longer period before fracture when compared to ZZC and ZTS groups. Catastrophic failures, with implant fractures at the embedding level or slightly below, were only observed in the ZZC and ZTS groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cement-retained zirconia crowns supported by titanium-zirconium implants and prefabricated titanium abutments showed superior peak fracture loads and better survival probability behavior. One-piece zirconia implants with cement-retained zirconia crowns and two-piece zirconia implants with screw-retained zirconia crowns on prefabricated titanium abutment showed similar peak fracture loads and survival probability behavior. Titanium-zirconium and zirconia implants could withstand average intraoral mastication loads in the incisor region. This study was conducted under static load, room temperature (21.7°C), and dry condition, and full impacts of intraoral hydrothermal aging and dynamic loading conditions on the zirconia implants should be considered and studied further.

The Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus of Stereolithography Additively Manufactured Zirconia with Different Porosities.

PURPOSE: Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are capable of fabricating complex geometries with different porosities. However, the effect of such porosities on mechanical properties of stereolithography (SLA) AM zirconia with different porosities is unclear. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the mechanical properties namely flexural strength, and flexural modulus of AM zirconia with different porosities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bar (25 × 4 × 3 mm) for flexural strength test (ISO standard 6872/2015) was designed by CAD software program and standard tessellation language (STL) file was obtained. The STL file was used to fabricate a total of 80 bars in four groups. Three experimental groups each containing 20 samples were manufactured using an SLA ceramic printer (CeraMaker 900; 3DCeram Co) and zirconia material (3DMix ZrO2 paste; 3DCeram Co) with different sintering post processing to achieve different porosities including 0%-porosity (AMZ0), 20%-porosity (AMZ20), and 40%-porosity (AMZ40). The same STL file was used for subtractive manufacturing or milling of 20 zirconia bars as control group (CNCZ) with the same dimensions using a commercial zirconia. Three-point bending tests were performed for all groups following ISO standard 6872/2015 specification using a universal testing machine. Outcomes measured included load at fracture, mean flexural strength, and flexural modulus and they were compared across the experimental groups using a one-way ANOVA. Post hoc pair wise comparison between each pair of the groups were performed using Tukey test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the four groups, in terms of fracture load, flexural strength and flexural modulus using one-way ANOVA. AM zirconia with 0% porosity (AMZ0) showed the highest value for fracture load (1132.7 ± 220.6 N), flexural strength (755.1 ± 147.1 MPa) and flexural modulus (41,273 ± 2193 MPa) and AM zirconia with 40% porosity (AMZ40) showed the lowest fracture load (72.13 ± 13.42 N), flexural strength (48.09 ± 8.95 MPa) and flexural modulus (7177 ± 506 MPa). Tukey's pairwise comparisons detected a significant difference between all the possible pairs for all variables except flexural modulus between AMZ0 and CNCZ. The Weibull moduli presented the lowest value for AMZ20 (4.4) followed by AMZ40 (6.1), AMZ0 (6.1), and the highest value was for CNCZ (8.1). CONCLUSION: AM zirconia with 0% porosity showed significantly higher flexural strength and flexural modulus when compared to milled and AM zirconia with 20% and 40% porosities.

Effects of Cuspal Inclination and Luting Agent on Fracture Load Values in Composite Resin CAD/CAM Crowns.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether change in cuspal inclination influences the fracture load values of composite resin computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) crowns. Abutment teeth and CAD/CAM crowns were prepared as they would be for treating a mandibular first premolar with two cusps. The CAD/CAM crowns were designed so that 1) the principal stress lines would be radially distributed from the two points of contact with the indenter to the occlusal area of the abutment (Type I), or 2) the principal stress lines would pass outside the occlusal area of the abutment (Types II and III). The CAD/CAM crowns were mounted on the abutments using one of two types of resin or polycarboxylate cement. Fracture load values were measured using a universal tester. The Type I CAD/CAM crowns exhibited the highest mean fracture load value, followed by the Type II crowns and then the Type III crowns, with significant differences seen between all types (p<0.05). The luting agent used (resin or polycarboxylate cement) showed no effect on the fracture load value. With the Type II and Type III crowns, significant differences in the fracture load value were observed between the Super-Bond and Hy-Bond polycarboxylate cement groups (p<0.05).

Mechanical stability and technical outcomes of monolithic CAD/CAM fabricated abutment-crowns supported by titanium bases: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate mechanical stability (survival and complication rates) and bending moments of different all-ceramic monolithic restorations bonded to titanium bases (hybrid abutment-crowns) or to customized titanium abutments compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) after thermo-mechanical aging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty conical connection implants (4.3 mm-diameter) were divided in five groups (n = 12): PFM using gold abutment (GAbut-PFM), lithium disilicate crown bonded to customized titanium abutment (TAbut+LDS), lithium disilicate abutment-crown bonded to titanium base (TiBase+LDS), zirconia abutment-crown bonded to titanium base (TiBase+ZR), polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) abutment-crown bonded to titanium base (TiBase+PICN). Simultaneous thermocycling (5°-55°C) and chewing simulation (1,200,000-cycles, 49 N, 1.67 Hz) were applied. Catastrophic and non-catastrophic events were evaluated under light microscope, and survival and complication rates were calculated. Specimens that survived aging were loaded until failure and bending moments were calculated. RESULTS: Survival rates after aging were 100% (TAbut+LDS, TiBase+LDS), 91.7% (GA-PFM), 66.7% (TiBase+ZR) and 58.3% (TiBase+PICN) and differed among the groups (p = .006). Non-catastrophic events as screw loosening (GA-PFM) and loss of retention or micro-/macro-movement (TiBase groups) were observed. Complication rates varied among the groups (p < .001). TiBase+PICN had lower bending moment than all the other groups (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid abutment-crowns made of lithium disilicate can be an alternative to PFM-based restorations, although concerns regarding the bonded interface between the titanium base and abutment-crown can be raised. PICN and zirconia may not be recommended due to its inferior mechanical and bonding outcomes, respectively. Titanium customized abutment with bonded lithium disilicate crown appears to be the most stable combination.

Influence of cleaning methods after 3D printing on two-body wear and fracture load of resin-based temporary crown and bridge material.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of different cleaning methods on the fracture load and two-body wear of additively manufactured three-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDP) for long-term temporary use, compared to the respective outcomes of milled provisional PMMA FDPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Shape congruent three-unit FDPs were 3D printed using three different resin-based materials [FPT, GCT, NMF] or milled [TEL] (N = 48, n = 16 per group). After printing, the FDPs were cleaned using: Isopropanol (ISO), Yellow Magic 7 (YEL), or centrifugal force (CEN). Chewing simulation was carried out with a vertical load of 50 N (480,000 × 5 °C/55 °C). Two-body wear and fracture load were measured. Data were analyzed using global univariate ANOVA with partial eta squared, Kruskal-Wallis H, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman's rho test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: TEL showed less wear resistance than FPT (p = 0.001) for all cleaning methods tested. Concerning vertical material loss, NMF and GCT were in the same range of value (p = 0.419-0.997), except within FDPs cleaned in ISO (p = 0.021). FPT showed no impact of cleaning method on wear resistance (p = 0.219-0.692). TEL (p < 0.001) showed the highest and FPT (p < 0.001) the lowest fracture load. Regarding the cleaning methods, specimens treated with ISO showed lower fracture load than specimens cleaned with CEN (p = 0.044) or YEL (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The material selection and the cleaning method can have an impact on two-body wear and fracture load results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Printed restorations showed superior two-body wear resistance compared to milled FDPs but lower fracture load values. Regarding cleaning methods, ISO showed a negative effect on fracture load compared to the other methods tested.

Fracture load of CAD/CAM ultrathin occlusal veneers luted to enamel or dentin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in vitro, the fracture load of IPS e.max CAD occlusal veneers at thicknesses of either 0.3 or 0.6 mm luted to enamel or dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty human molars were randomly distributed into five groups (n = 10): G1 - healthy teeth (control); G2-0.3-mm-thick veneers luted to enamel; G3-0.6-mm-thick veneers luted to enamel; G4-0.3-mm-thick veneers luted to dentin; and G5-0.6-mm-thick veneers luted to dentin. After the luting procedures, the specimens were immersed in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and then subjected to mechanical loading (106 cycles at 200 N load). The specimens were subjected to a fracture load test in a universal testing machine. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05) were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Only the thickness factor was significant (P = .002). Values of fracture load followed by distinct letters represent significant differences (P < .05): G1 (3204 N ± 730)ab ; G2 (3144 N ± 729)ab ; G3 (2489 N ± 606)b ; G4 (3591 N ± 776)a ; and G5 (2770 N ± 598)ab . CONCLUSION: IPS e.max ultrathin occlusal veneers luted to enamel or dentin obtained fracture load comparable to that of the healthy tooth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: IPS e.max CAD ultrathin occlusal veneers at 0.3 or 0.6-mm-thick seem to provide good perspectives in relation to the clinical use.

Comparison of Fracture Load of the Four Translucent Zirconia Crowns.

Recently, translucent zirconia has become the most prevalent material used as a restorative material. This study aimed to compare the crown fracture load of the four most common different translucent zirconia brands available in the market at 1.5 mm thickness. Standardized tooth preparations for a full ceramic crown were designed digitally with software (AutoCAD) by placing a 1.0 mm chamfer margin and 1.5 mm occluso-cervical curvature for the crown sample manufacturing. Stylized crowns were chosen to control the thickness of the crown. The axial and occlusal thickness were standardized to 1.5 mm thickness except at the central pit, which was 1.3 mm thick. The STL file for the tooth dies was prepared using software (3Shape TRIOS® Patient Monitoring, Copenhagen, Denmark). The tooth dies were printed with a resin material (NextDent Model 2.0, Vertex-Dental B.V., Soesterberg, The Netherlands) using a 3D printing software (3D Sprint® Client Version 3.0.0.2494) from a 3D printer (NextDent™ 5100, Vertex-Dental B.V., Soesterberg, The Netherlands). The printing layer thickness was 50 µm. Then, a total of twenty-eight (N = 28) stylized crowns were milled out of AmannGirrbach (Amann Girrbach GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany) (n = 7), Cercon HT (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany) (n = 7), Cercon XT (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany) (n = 7), and Vita YZ XT (Zahnfabrik, Bäd Sackingen, Germany) (n = 7). Following sintering the crowns, sandblasting was performed and they were bonded to the tooth dies with the resin cement (RelyX U-200, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) and permitted to self-cure under finger pressure for 6 min. The crowns were loaded on the occlusal surface in a universal testing machine (MTS Centurion) with a stainless-steel ball indenter (7 mm radius) with a loading rate of 1 mm/min to contact the stylized crowns on each of the four cusps until failure. A rubber sheet (1.5 mm thickness) was positioned between the crown and indenter, which helped with the load distribution. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 (IBM Company, Chicago, USA). The fracture loads were analyzed using Dunnett's T3 test, and the number of cracks was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test among the groups. The significant level was set at p value = 0.05. The mean fracture loads were 3086.54 ± 441.74 N, 4804.94 ± 70.12 N, 3317.76 ± 199.80 N, and 2921.87 ± 349.67 N for AmannGirrbac, Cercon HT, Cercon XT, and Vita YZ XT, respectively. The mean fracture loads for the surfaces with the greatest number of cracks (excluding the occlusal surfaces) were on the lingual surface for AmannGirrbach and Cercon HT, on the distal and mesial for Cercon XT, and on the buccal for Vita YZ XT. We found that the AmannGirrbach had the most overall cracks. Cercon XT had the greatest number of occlusal cracks and appeared to be the most shattered. Cercon HT had the least number of cracks. In conclusion, Cercon HT presented the best strength properties, the highest fracture load, and no visible cracks. AmannGirrbach presented the lowest strength properties.