Effect of heat treatment and in vitro aging on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cold isostatic-pressed zirconia ceramics for dental restorations.

Objectives: The temperature variations during the veneering firing cycles of a zirconia dental ceramic can negatively affect its mechanical properties. A possible synergistic effect of both heat-treatment and aging while exposed to the oral environment could result to catastrophic failure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of heat treatment followed during veneering and in vitro aging on the mechanical and microstructural properties of zirconia dental ceramics.