Load-bearing capacity of all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures with different computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) fabricated framework materials

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the load-bearing capacity of posterior three-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDP) produced with three different all-ceramic framework materials: glass-infiltrated alumina (ICA), glass-infiltrated alumina strengthened with zirconia (ICZ), and yttria-stabilized polycrystalline zirconia (YZ). Additionally, the influence on aging of mechanical cyclic fatigue loading and thermal cycling in water were evaluated. A total of 20 frameworks each were fabricated from ICA, ICZ, and YZ by a computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system. The framework designs were identical for all specimens. All frameworks were veneered with porcelain and cemented with glass-ionomer. Prior to fracture testing, 10 FDP of each experimental group were subjected to thermal and mechanical cycling. Additionally, fractographic analysis was performed. Statistical analysis showed that FDP made from YZ had significantly higher load to failure, whereas no difference was found between the other two materials. Aging did not have a significant effect on the fracture load.