The effect of different ceramic materials on the fracture resistance of dentin-bonded crowns

This in vitro study investigated the fracture resistance of dentin-bonded crowns constructed from four ceramic materials: feldspathic porcelain, aluminous porcelain, a glass-ceramic core material (Dicor), and a leucite-enriched ceramic (Empress). Forty sound maxillary premolar teeth were chosen and divided at random into four equal groups. The teeth were prepared with a standardized crown minimal preparation. The restored teeth were subjected to compressive loading. When the mode of fracture of the specimens was examined, it was found that four mode V (severe) fractures occurred in the Empress group, compared with none in the aluminous porcelain group and one each in the feldspathic porcelain and Dicor groups. Statistical analysis indicated that the loads required to fracture Dicor specimens were significantly greater than those required to fracture the feldspathic and aluminous porcelain crowns but were not significantly different from the loads achieved by the Empress specimens.