Clinical Applications of Polyetheretherketone in Removable Dental Prostheses: Accuracy, Characteristics, and Performance

Abstract

The high-performance thermoplastic polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, chemical stability, and radiolucency. The present article comprehensively reviews various applications of PEEK in removable dental prostheses, including in removable partial dentures (RPDs) (frameworks and clasps), double-crown RPDs, and obturators. The clinical performance of PEEK in removable dental prostheses is shown to be satisfactory and promising based on the short-term clinical evidence and technical complications are scarce. Moreover, the accuracy of RPDs is a vital factor for their long-term success rate. PEEK in removable dental prostheses is fabricated using the conventional lost-wax technique and CAD/CAM milling, which produces a good fit. Furthermore, fused deposition modeling is considered to be one of the most practical additive techniques. PEEK in removable prostheses produced by this technique exhibits good results in terms of the framework fit. However, in light of the paucity of evidence regarding other additive techniques, these manufacturers cannot yet be endorsed. Surface roughness, bacterial retention, color stability, and wear resistance should also be considered when attempting to increase the survival rates of PEEK removable prostheses. In addition, pastes represent an effective method for PEEK polishing to obtain a reduced surface roughness, which facilitates lower bacterial retention. As compared to other composite materials, PEEK is less likely to become discolored or deteriorate due to wear abrasion.

PEEK for Oral Applications: Recent Advances in Mechanical and Adhesive Properties

“…There are numerous types of medical materials currently used in dentistry, with different performance advantages and disadvantage s ( Table 2 ). PEEK has been increasingly studied in dental applications, such as in oral implant treatments (oral implants and implant abutments) [ 31 ], restorative dentistry(crowns, fixed and removable dentures, and posts and cores), maxillofacial prosthetics, and other oral applications (orthodontic wires and retainers and scaffolds for cartilage repair) [ 14 , 32 ]. For better use in dentistry, the mechanical properties of PEEK ( Table 3 ) can be improved by adding materials, such as fibers, carbon nanomaterials, and ceramics, or by improving processing techniques and parameters.…”

“…Applications of PEEK as removable dental prostheses include removable partial dentures (RPDs) (frames and clasps), telescopic crown dentures [ 80 ], and obturators [ 14 ]. Compared to PMMA, partial denture frames made of PEEK with notches for labial and buccal ties or special designs may be less prone to breaking because of their higher Izod impact strength.…”

“…This technique can produce more precise and complex end products [ 13 ]. However, in contrast to materials such as metals, evidence is needed to determine the mechanical properties, accuracy, and precision of prostheses made of PEEK [ 14 ] and to help select the best processing techniques and parameters. In addition, compared to ceramic materials such as zirconia, the PEEK prosthesis fails to achieve satisfactory aesthetic outcomes unless veneered with composite resins [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Enhanced osteogenic and antibacterial properties of polyetheretherketone by ultraviolet‐initiated grafting polymerization of a gelatin methacryloyl/epsilon‐poly‐L‐lysine/laponite hydrogel coating

“…Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which exhibits excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance as well as favorable mechanical properties, has been adopted clinically for use in spinal cages, craniofacial implants, and removable dental prostheses 1,2 . However, PEEK is limited for osseointegration due to its biologically inert properties 3,4 .…”

Bond Strength of Sandblasted PEEK with Dental Methyl Methacrylate-Based Cement or Composite-Based Resin Cement

“…Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is widely used as an engineering plastic in industry because of its superior mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, chemical durability, temperature resistance, and dimensional stability under harsh conditions. In the dental field, owing to its excellent biocompatibility and outstanding properties [1], PEEK has received significant research interest for use in dental implants [2], implant abutments [3], removable dentures [4], crowns [5], posts and cores [6], prostheses [7], orthodontic wires [8], and occlusal splints [9].…”