Background: Clinical studies reporting the outcome of zirconia-based restorations indicate that the strength of the zirconia frameworks is sufficient to withstand masticatory forces. However, a significant incidence of cohesive fracture of the veneering porcelain has been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate spontaneous crack development (chipping, rupture) in a range of porcelains veneered to a zirconia core as a result of thermal stresses induced by changes in thickness and cooling rate. The hypothesis tested was that crack incidence would increase with increased veneer thickness and faster cooling rates. Methods: Zirconia spheres (diameter 7.8 mm) were veneered with 1.5 gm (thickness ratio 1:2) and 2.5 gm (thickness ratio 1:1) of five nominally compatible commercially available porcelains. The manufacturers' firing cycles and a rapid cooling firing cycle were followed. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed positive associations between the occurrence of cracks and the three covariates (materials, thickness and cooling rate). The incidence of cracks and rupture of the veneering porcelain increased with a faster cooling rate and increased thickness of the specimens in three porcelain-zirconia combinations. Conclusions: Crack incidence increased with increased porcelain veneer thickness and faster cooling rates in nominally compatible porcelain ⁄ zirconia systems in the geometrically configured specimens tested.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.