Yttrium stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) has been widely used in Dentistry as framework material for dental crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) due to its mechanical characteristics, such as high fracture strength and toughness. The objective of this literature review is to search for scientific evidence concerning the mechanical behavior, adhesion and clinical longevity of Y-TZP-based restorations. Literature was obtained from online Medline/Pubmed database using the following key-words combination: Y-TZP; adhesion; bonding; mechanical properties; long-term clinical trials; longevity. Articles from 1990 to 2012 were searched. According to the literature, Y-TZP-based ceramic shows superior mechanical properties when compared to other dental ceramics due to a crystal phase transformation toughening mechanism. In addition, silica coating associated with silanization is recommended as the most successful surface treatment for Y-TZP adhesive cementation, and the use of a MDP-containing resinous cement system. According to the clinical studies, Y-TZP has high success rates when used as framework material for single crowns and FPDs. Although the mechanical and adhesive behavior of Y-TZP is not completely understood, studies show Y-TZP as a promising ceramic for clinical application.
zirconia; dental ceramics