Methods: Thirty ceramic FPD core frameworks were prepared using a hot-pressing technique and a lithia-disilicate-based core ceramic. The maximum clenching force was measured for each patient prior to tooth preparation. Connector heights and widths were measured for each FPD. Patients were recalled yearly after cementation for two years and evaluated using eleven clinical criteria. All FPDs were examined by two independent clinicians and rankings for each criterion were made from 1 to 4 with 4 = excellent and 1 = unacceptable.