In Vitro Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation of Polyether Ether Ketone and Zirconia Copings

Abstract

Background: Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has emerged as a new thermoplastic material with potential applications as a restorative material. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the marginal adaptation of PEEK copings compared to zirconia copings using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Materials and Methods: A freshly extracted maxillary central incisor was prepared for a full-coverage restoration following standard principles of tooth preparation. The tooth was sent to a laboratory for fabrication of samples using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Twenty samples of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) copings (group A) and 20 of zirconia copings were fabricated (group B). The copings were scanned under a field emission scanning electron microscope and measurements were taken at four distinct points. The marginal adaptation over the buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal margins for both groups was evaluated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t test were applied. Results: Our findings indicate that PEEK showed better marginal adaptation than zirconia at all measurement points. The mean marginal gap value of the PEEK group was 33.99 ± 8.81 μm and of the zirconia group was 56.21 ± 15.07 μm. On comparing marginal adaptation among the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual aspects, PEEK showed better adaptation on all four margins, with the best adaptation on the buccal margin that had the lowest mean gap value of 29.27 ± 6.07 μm. The zirconia group adapted best at the distal margin, with a lowest mean gap value of 53.58 ± 15.25 mm (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: PEEK copings had better marginal adaptation and fit compared to zirconia copings. It may have applications as a restorative material in fixed prostheses.

A Comparative Analysis of Marginal Adaptation Values between Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramics and Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Endocrowns: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies

“…Recently, a systematic review by Turkyilmaz et al in 2023 showed that LDGC and zirconia all-ceramic CAD/CAM crowns offer parallel marginal gap values, but LDGC material presents an excellent internal fit, compared with that of zirconia [ 41 ]. Also, using SEM, the marginal gap documented by the zirconia material was 56.21±15.07 μm, as stated by Chouksey et al [ 46 ], while a lower value (21.45±12.58 μm) was recorded by Ferrini et al in 2023 for the same material, and marginally similar values were recorded for LDGC (62.28±51.8 μm) [ 40 ].…”