Influence of Connector Dimensions on the Flexural strength of Three-Unit Monolithic Fixed Dental Prostheses Fabricated from 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ Zirconia: An In Vitro Study

Zirconia; 3Y-TZP; 5Y-PSZ; Fixed Dental Prosthesis; Connector Design; Fracture resistance.

1Dr. Aeshala Pranaya
Department Of Prosthodontics and Crown &
Bridge, Malla Reddy Institute of Dental
Sciences, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth
(Deemed to be University), suraram,
Hyderabad-500055, Telangana,India.
Email: aeshalapranaya5@gmail.com
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1106-0116

2Dr. P. Satheesh Simha Reddy
Professor and HOD Department Of
Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge,
Malla Reddy Institute of Dental Sciences,
Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth (Deemed to be
University), suraram, Hyderabad-500055,
Telangana,India.
Email: psatheesh.reddy@mrvv.edu.in
ORCID ID: 0009-0007-7001-5370

3*Dr. Nirban Mitra
Professor, Department Of Prosthodontics and
Crown & Bridge,Malla Reddy Institute of
Dental Sciences, Malla Reddy
Vishwavidyapeeth (Deemed to be University),
suraram, Hyderabad-500055, Telangana,India.
Email:drnirban.mitra@mrvv.edu.in, ORCID
ID: 0009-0004-5043-8905

4Dr. Shaik Riyaz Basha
Professor, Department Of Prosthodontics and
Crown & Bridge, Malla Reddy Institute of
Dental Sciences, Malla Reddy
Vishwavidyapeeth (Deemed to be
University),suraram,Hyderabad500055,Telangana,India.
Email: riyaz.basha@mrvv.edu.in
ORCID ID: 0009-0002-2125-2904

5Dr. Anusha Borra
Associate Professor, Department Of
Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, Malla
Reddy Institute of Dental Sciences, Malla
Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth (Deemed to be
University),suraram,Hyderabad500055,Telangana,India.
Email: anusha.borra@mrvv.edu.in
ORCID ID: 0009-0006-9531-5305

6Dr. B. Chittaranjan, Professor and Dean, Department Of
Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, Malla
Reddy Dental College for Women, Malla
Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth (Deemed to be
University), suraram,Hyderabad- 500055,Telangana,India.
Email: prosthoranjan@yahoo.com
ORCID ID: 0009-0002-2300-4621

*Corresponding author: Dr. Nirban Mitra
Email:drnirban.mitra@mrvv.edu.in

Received-17-05-2026
Revised-21-06-2026
Accepted-26-06-2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34 (04s), 490-499

Influence of Connector Dimensions on the Flexural strength of Three-Unit Monolithic Fixed Dental Prostheses Fabricated from 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ Zirconia: An In Vitro Study

Purpose: Connector dimensions are one the key determinants of Fracture resistance in zirconia fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). In this in vitro study the influence of three connector dimensions on the Fracture resistance of three-unit monolithic FDPs fabricated from 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ zirconia is evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three-unit monolithic zirconia FDPs were fabricated and divided into six groups (n=10). Thirty specimens were fabricated from 3Y-TZP zirconia and thirty from 5Y-PSZ zirconia. Three connector dimensions were evaluated: 3×3 mm, 2×6 mm, and 4×2 mm. Following CAD/CAM fabrication, sintering, polishing, and glazing, specimens were subjected to compressive loading in a universal testing machine until fracture occurred. Fracture loads were recorded and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and independent t-tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: The highest fracture load was observed in 3Y-TZP FDPs with 3×3 mm connectors (2394.2 ± 250.45 N), followed by 4×2 mm connectors (2099.0 ± 79.98 N) and 2×6 mm connectors (1728.2 ± 204.05 N). For 5YPSZ FDPs, the highest fracture load was observed with 3×3 mm connectors (2098.8 ± 309.82 N), followed by 2×6 mm connectors (1676.2 ± 314.43 N) and 4×2 mm connectors (1332.4 ± 60.94 N). Significant differences were identified among connector dimensions within both zirconia groups. CONCLUSIONS: Connector dimensions significantly influence Fracture resistance. The 3×3 mm connector configuration demonstrated the highest Fracture resistance in both zirconia systems. Although 5Y-PSZ exhibited lower Fracture resistance than 3Y-TZP, all fracture loads exceeded normal posterior masticatory forces, indicating potential clinical applicability.

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