Aim: To evaluate the retention and fracture resistance of modified overlay fixed partial dentures (FPD) as a viable alternative to the conventional design. Materials and methods: Three-unit FPD tooth preparation for three different retainer designs was done on typhodont teeth. Full coverage crown (FCC), overlay crown (OVL), and modified overlay crown (MOVL) retainer designs were the three groups, with seven samples each. Zirconia prostheses were milled and cemented with resin cement onto epoxy dies made from the prepared typhodont teeth. Retention and fracture resistance were tested using a universal testing machine. Values were recorded in newton units. Results: For the retention test, median values were 495 N (IQR = 433–523.5), 271 N (IQR = 247.5–289.5), and 465 N (IQR = 416–497) for the FCC, OVL, and MOVL groups, respectively. The difference among the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.008). For the fracture resistance test, median values were 1961 N (IQR = 1900–2215), 237 N (IQR = 230–325.5), and 1330 N (IQR = 1268–1650) for the FCC, OVL, and MOVL groups, respectively. The difference among the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.002). The difference between the MOVL and FCC groups was not statistically significant for retention (p = 0.495) and fracture resistance (p = 0.104). Conclusion: Within the study's limitations, the MOVL design showed similar tensile and compressive strength compared to the conventional design, deeming it a viable alternative to the conventional design. Clinical significance: This design epitomizes a conservative preparation for 3-unit FPDs in the posterior region, which otherwise involves excessive removal of sound tooth structure. The unprepared enamel can preserve adequate strength of an abutment to withstand axial and off-axial forces incident on it directly or via forces transferred from the pontic.