No currently available bond test for dental metal—ceramic systems has yet gained general acceptance. Such bond test cannot be established without careful analysis of the stress distribution within the adherence region. The objective of the present study was to establish mechanical shear stress test and combine the results with finite element stress analysis of an idealized crown to enable comparisons of different metal—ceramic systems. The titanium—ceramic systems tested, both machined and cast titanium, showed higher shear strength values than the high gold—ceramic system used as reference. Since the latter system has been used successfully in the clinic for many years, it seems reasonable to assume that the bond strength of titanium—ceramic systems is quite satisfactory for dental crown-and-bridge work. In conclusion, the interfacial bond strength test proposed in the present study should be applicable to all of the currently known material combinations in which brittle fracture might be expected to occur.