Relative flexural strength of dental restorative ceramics

The relative flexural strengths of ten brands of dental restorative ceramics were evaluated by a three-point bending test. The materials consisted of three low-fusing and one high-fusing feldspathic porcelains and six reinforced dental restorative ceramics which are currently in clinical use. The reinforced ceramic materials investigated utilized a number of different strengthening processes, including alumina and ceramic fiber reinforcement and controlled crystallization. The results of the investigation indicate that significant differences exist among the measured breaking strengths of the various materials. The processes of controlled crystallization and alumina reinforcement appear to be adequate means of improving the bending strength of restorative dental ceramics.