Ultra-translucent zirconia processing and aging effect on microstructural, optical, and mechanical properties.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the ceramic processing and aging method on the microstructure, optical, and mechanical properties of a third generation ultra-translucent zirconia, yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ).

Methods: In-house discs were obtained through uniaxial and isostatic pressing an ultra-translucent Y-PSZ powder and sintering at 1450 °C for 2 h. As control, a commercial disc was milled from pre-sintered blocks fabricated with the same 5Y-PSZ powder through isostatic pressing and sintered under the same protocol.

Physicochemical and mechanical characterization of a fiber-reinforced composite used as frameworks of implant-supported prostheses.

Objectives: To characterize the physicochemical and mechanical properties of a milled fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) for implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs).

Methods: For FRC characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry, simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed. For fatigue testing, 3-unit FRC frameworks were fabricated with conventional (9 mm connector area) and modified designs (12 mm connector area and 2.