Effect of frame design and veneering material on biomechanical behavior of zirconia dental crowns veneered with overpressing ceramics.

The objective of this investigation was to compare alternative framework designs of molar zirconia crowns veneered with various overpressing ceramics and to predict the biomechanical behavior based on the stress evaluation. The hypothesis of the study is that the zirconia framework design and type of the veneering material, using the same technological procedure, may influence the biomechanical behavior of the restorations. Three geometric models with differential coping designs (uniform thickness, cutback and buccal reduction) were developed and two types of hot-pressed ceramics (leucite and lithium disilicate reinforced) were analyzed for the veneers. Using finite element analysis (FEA), maximum principle stresses were recorded in the tooth structures and in the restorations for all the developed designs. Results led to the conclusion that the hypothesis was accepted.