The key elements of conducting load-to-fracture mechanical testing on restoration-tooth units in restorative dentistry

Biomimetic restorative dentistry strives to replace lost tooth tissue by biomaterials with similar physical properties. In order to do so, mechanical testing of dental restorative materials on their own and later in dental cavities is highly important. During this process dentists and engineers are collaborating aiming to set the indications of certain restorative materials and application techniques. In vitro fracture resistance testing of a restored tooth is one of the most important tests to be carried out during the indication setting process. However, for this specific test and received results to be valid for clinicians, the group conducting the tests must pay attention to mimic intraoral conditions as much as possible. The article aims at identifying the key elements of fracture resistance tests in dentistry. Adequately conducting this test is a prerequisite for later testing in in vivo conditions the restorative techniques that produced the best results among the in vitro tests.