Current Scientific Evidence of Clinical Performance of Veneered Zirconia Crowns and Fixed Dental Prostheses

Purpose of Review This paper aims to summarize recent scientific evidence regarding the clinical performance of veneered zirconia prostheses. In addition, the residual thermal stress studies were critically analyzed and associated with the veneering ceramic chipping issue. Recent Findings Despite extensive materials and technique developments, the chipping of the veneering layer in zirconia-based crowns is still not fully solved. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published within the last 5 years showed that the extension of chipping fracture is more significant for zirconia-based compared to the metal-based prostheses. Summary Residual and transient thermal stresses might be associated with the chipping fracture in veneered zirconia crowns. In vitro and in silico studies should evaluate anatomically correct crown specimens to obtain relevant evidence regarding thermal treatments and fracture resistance of porcelain-veneered zirconia. Clinical studies should provide a more in-depth investigation of the chipping failure mechanisms to help further material development and technical protocols to solve this clinical complication.