Background: The advantages of the PFM systems are to combine the fracture resistance of the metal substructure with the aesthetic property of the porcelain. The present study compared the shear bond strength of ceramic material veneered to zirconia core by layering and pressing techniques.

Materials and Methods: 50 samples of zirconia blocks were divided into 2 groups. Each group consisted of 25 samples. In group I, ceramic veneered over zirconia core by pressing technique and in group II, ceramic veneered over zirconia core by layering technique was used. The blocks were loaded up to failure which was assessed using universal testing machine.

Results: The mean shear bond strength in group I was 13.4 MPa and in group II was 9.2 MPa. The difference found to be significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: The mean shear bond strength of specimens veneered on to zirconia core by pressing technique performed was superior in comparison to the layered specimen.