Survivability and fracture resistance of monolithic and multi-yttria-layered zirconia crowns as a function of yttria content: A mastication simulation study.

The term "monolithic zirconia" alone without specifying the actual yttria content is misleading. This term represents different materials with different mechanical properties. The yttria content has an inverse relationship with the fracture resistance of zirconia crowns. The fracture resistance of multi-layer zirconia crowns is determined by the amount of the weaker zirconia phase at the occlusal part of the restoration rather than enforced by the stronger zirconia at the cervical part of the crown.