Evaluation of fracture resistance of inlay-retained fixed partial dentures fabricated with different monolithic zirconia materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Data are lacking on the fracture resistance of monolithic zirconia inlay-retained fixed partial dentures as a conservative treatment for a single missing tooth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of inlay-retained fixed partial dentures produced from 3 different monolithic zirconia materials and based on 2 preparation types and applications with and without thermocycling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A model with missing right and left mandibular first molars was used for different cavity preparations. A tube-shaped cavity and a box-shaped cavity were prepared. Seventy-two epoxy resin casts were prepared from an additional silicone impression. Twenty-four inlay-retained fixed partial dentures from each monolithic zirconia material (Prettau, Zirkonzahn; Katana, Noritake; and Copran, Whitepeaks) were fabricated for each preparation type and cemented to their epoxy model with dual-polymerizing adhesive resin cement; 50% of all specimens were thermocycled for 10000 cycles. The specimens were subjected to a fracture resistance test using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Fracture surfaces were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a specimen from each group was examined for structural changes with differential thermal analysis (DTA). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in terms of fracture resistance were found among brands with both cavity designs and with and without thermal cycles (P>.05). However, SEM and DTA results showed some changes in monolithic zirconia structure after 1 year of aging. CONCLUSIONS: The brands and cavity preparation types for single posterior tooth loss generated similar fracture resistance.