Fracture Resistance of Screw-Access Holes in Zirconia Full-Arch Implants

Purpose: To present a sample preparation and test methodology for evaluating the fracture resistance of ceramic materials configured in a way similar to the screw-access holes found in implant-supported ceramic full-arch devices. Materials and Methods: A finite-width rectangular plate with a central hole was designed to evaluate the critical stresses of ceramic full-arch screw-access holes. Different load scenarios were investigated by comparing forces applied to BruxZir Esthetic (Glidewell Laboratories) and BruxZir Esthetic enhanced with BruxZir Steel (Glidewell Laboratories) specimens. Results: Using the proposed test method, it was found that the fracture resistance of full-arch prostheses is largely dependent on the location of the screw-access hole and the inherent mechanical properties of the material (P < .001). Conclusion: The finite -width plate model may be suitable for evaluating the fracture resistance of ceramic full-arch prostheses. The fracture resistance of 3D ceramic full-arch prostheses can be greatly improved by improving the mechanical properties of the material and/or increasing the wall thickness of the screw access hole by relocation.