Effect of placement strategies and connector designs in CAD/CAM technology on fracture resistance of multilayered monolithic zirconia fixed dental prostheses: An in vitro study

This study evaluated fracture resistance of monolithic fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) fabricated using different placement strategies of various connector designs in multilayered zirconia disc. Monolithic FDPs were placed in translucent and dentin layers of multilayered zirconia disc and fabricated with V-shaped and U-shaped connector designs gained by sharp and blunt millings. The FDPs were cemented on abutment models made of polymer material, underwent thermal cycles, and loaded to fracture using the universal testing machine. Fracture loads and modes were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, and Fisher exact test (p <= 0.05). The chosen placement strategy and connector designs gained by different milling procedures in computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing technology affect fracture resistance of monolithic FDPs made of multilayered zirconia materials. Placing the connector in translucent layer rather than dentin layer of multilayered zirconia disc and using sharp milling significantly reduces fracture resistance of monolithic multilayered zirconia FDPs.