Abstract:
Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate fracture resistance of implant-supported
zirconia-based
crowns (monolayer vs bilayer) cemented to hybrid
abutments.
Methods: Monolayer and bilayer zirconia crowns were constructed and cemented to
zirconia hybrid abutments. Crowns were divided into two subgroups: (a) untreated
control group; and (b) experimental group, which underwent thermal-cycling
mechanical
loading in a chewing simulator. Up to 1.2 million stress cycles with simultaneous
thermocycling (5 and 55?C) were applied. Samples were finally subjected to
static load to fracture. Data were analyzed using one-way
analysis of variance and t
test. Fractured surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy.
Results: Monolayer zirconia crowns had a 100% survival rate upon completion of the
thermal mechanical loading, whereas bilayer zirconia crowns had a 50% survival rate.
The fracture load of monolayer zirconia crowns was significantly higher than that of
bilayer crowns. Moreover, the fracture load was significantly reduced in monolayer
zirconia crowns after aging. Monolayer zirconia crowns showed bulk fracture within
the monolayer, while bilayer crowns exhibited cohesive fracture within the veneering
porcelain only.
Conclusions: Monolayer implant-supported
hybrid-abutment
crowns exhibit significantly
higher fracture resistance compared to bilayer crowns, making them better suited
to handle higher masticatory loads encountered in the posterior region of the mouth.