TESTING OF ZIRCONIA FPD FRAMEWORKS FOR FIXED PROSTHESES: MODEL DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF FRACTURE LOAD.

The article focuses on the development and evaluation of a new mechanical test model for zirconia fixed partial denture (FPD) frameworks, designed to simulate natural tooth loading conditions. The model uses milled artificial teeth made from polyether ketone and a 3D-printed resin base bonded with polyether material to replicate the resilience of natural teeth and alveolar bone. Mechanical testing showed that under fracture loads up to 1,636 N, neither the artificial abutment teeth nor the base fractured or detached, indicating the model's suitability for testing ceramic-based CAD/CAM three-unit FPD frameworks. This approach addresses limitations of previous resin-based models where abutment teeth fractured prematurely, providing a more reliable in vitro method for evaluating dental prostheses.