How to Prevent Fractures in Zirconia-Based Restorations

By Dennis Ouye

Posted Apr 28, 2011 in Technical


Dennis Ouye, CDT addresses the importance of proper design and structural support.



Fractures in ceramic restorations have always been a challenge for technicians. Traditionally, they were caused by the lack of strength of feldspathic ceramic and insufficient bonding to the tooth.


While newer, stronger ceramics and improved bonding agents help prevent fractures, it's still important to remember that proper substructure design that provides adequate porcelain support is crucial to the success of a case, and this is as true for zirconia restorations as it is for PFMs.
Even though zirconia is an incredibly strong material (approximately 1,345Mpa) and is stronger than most alloys, the veneering porcelain is still the weak link because it has a strength in the range of only 70Mpa. As with PFM technology, a zirconia understructure that provides adequate porcelain support is the best way to prevent fractures. Consider these four tips:



  1. Design...

    Please Log In or Sign Up (it's free) to read the rest of this article
About The Author

  • Dennis Ouye

    . at . · Brentwood, CA

    Dennis Ouye, CDT, is President of LDL Designs, Inc. in Berkeley, CA. He's held technician courses with Dr. Harry Albers at the University of California at San Francisco and University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, and...

Please Log In or Sign Up to post to this article