Flexural Strength Properties of Five Different Monolithic Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing Ceramic Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the flexural strength and Weibull modulus of 5 different monolithic computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramics. Methods A total of 50 specimens were fabricated, 10 from each of the following materials: lithium disilicate-based ceramic (IPS e.max CAD), zirconia -reinforced lithium-silicate ceramic (Vita Suprinity), leucite-based glass ceramic (IPS Empress CAD), and two zirconia-based ceramics (Zenostar and CopraSmile). The specimens were 4 mm wide, 2 mm thick, and 16 mm long. Flexural strength test was executed using a universal testing machine (Model 5980, Instron Industrial Products, Norwood, MA, USA). The two-parameter Weibull distribution function was used to analyze the variability of flexural strength values. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS Version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey's test. Results Suprinity had the highest Weibull modulus value, while Empress CAD displayed the lowest value. One-way ANOVA showed significant difference in the flexural strength between the different materials tested (p<0.05). Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences among all the test groups in terms of flexural strength. Zenostar presented the highest mean flexural strength value (1033.90 MPa), while Empress CAD had the lowest value. Conclusion High-translucency zirconia had superior flexural properties than translucent zirconia, lithium disilicate ceramics, zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics, and leucite-based glass ceramics.