Abstract
In order to determine the feasibility of constructing fixed partial dentures using glass-ceramic materials, the flexural strength and marginal fit of three experimental glass ceramic materials, and DICOR® as control, were studied. The flexural strength ranged from 105.8 MPa to 129.5 MPa. Ceramic and alumina addition provided significant strength as tested by ANOVA and multiple range tests (P < 0.05). The range for the cemented bridge margins was from 48.9 μm to 80.4 μm. The tested ceramics had no statistically significant differences in margin openings for the same sites (P < 0.05). However, the openings on the mesial side of the premolar abutment and the distal end of the molar abutment of the fixed partial denture did have statistically significant differences (P < 0.01). Appropriate addition of alumina led to an increase in bending strength. The alumina stabilizes and strengthens the glass-ceramic material by incorporation into the silicone network. © 1996 Blackwell Science Ltd.