Improving the mechanical properties of commercial feldspathic dental porcelain by addition of Alumina-Zirconia

Dental ceramics made from Yttria stabilized tetragonal Zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) with feldspathic porcelain veneers have similar mechanical and aesthetic response to natural tooth. However, cases of early failure, such as chipping or fracture in the veneering have been reported after short periods of use. The present study evaluated the feldspathic porcelain (VITA-VM9) with addition of 0.5 and 2.5 wt% Alumina-Zirconia as reinforcing agents. Hardness, fracture toughness, contact resistance and color variations were evaluated finding better mechanical performance on the new formulations.