Fracture resistance of metal- and galvano-ceramic crowns cemented with different luting cements: in vitro comparative study.

This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance of galvano-ceramic crowns with metal-ceramic crowns cemented to natural premolar teeth with different luting cements. Sixty intact maxillary premolars were prepared to receive full-coverage crown restorations and were divided into 2 equal groups (n = 30): galvano-ceramic crowns and metal-ceramic crowns. Each group was further subdivided into 3 equal subgroups (n = 10) according to the luting cement used: zinc-phosphate, glass-ionomer, or adhesive-resin cement. The specimens were then compressively loaded until failure in a universal testing machine. The metal-ceramic crowns exhibited higher resistance to fracture compared to galvano-ceramic crowns, but both exceeded the normal documented values of occlusal masticatory forces.