Designs of bond strength tests for metal-ceramic complexes: review of the literature.

Despite the popularity of metal-ceramic restorations, the bonding mechanism remains the subject of theoretical discussion. Different experimental designs to evaluate bond strengths at the metal-ceramic interface are described. The effects of various stresses with each design are also discussed. A predictive experimental design should minimize variables and result in the least residual interfacial stresses. Dentists and dental technicians should benefit from comparisons of existing tests, and the discussion encourages introduction of more comprehensive approaches.