DENTAL MATERIALS, cilt.24, sa.8, ss.1077-1082, 2008 (SCI-Expanded)
Objectives. Advances in ceramic processing techniques enable clinicians and ceramists to fabricate all-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) for posterior regions using high-strength yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP). However, failures occur in ceramic FPDs due to their design. The objectives of this study were to determine the site of crack initiation and the causes of fracture in clinically failed zirconia-based ceramic FPDs.