Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as a Biomaterial: An Overview

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a very powerful biomaterial that is increasingly used in dentistry. It has superior properties, which make it desirable in implantology. The applications of PEEK include finger prosthesis, RPD and FPD framework, and dental implants. Changes in the production of polyketone-based materials have been made to ensure consistent production of polymers for medical applications. PEEK is a high-performance semicrystalline material that has physical properties such as high resilience and strength. It is a tooth-colored material, making it desirable for its aesthetic appearance. Traditional manufacturing methods like injection molding, extrusion, and compression molding are used for PEEK. Despite the high price of the polymer, the additional value that PEEK materials bring by offering the possibility of manufacturing parts include lightweight, strength or toughness and able to survive longer in harsh environments. PEEK has trauma or shock cancelling abilities, fracture resisting abilities, stress distributing ability, osseointegrating abilities, With such great qualities PEEK has an increased demand in the market, and this biomaterial never failes to surprise with its amazing success rate. Even in dentistry PEEK has a wide range of applications which includes, as a dental implants biomaterial, prosthetic material, abutment material, post and core material, crowns, removable partial denture framework. With such a huge range of applications PEEK is said to have been providing an all in one package for dentistry. PEEK biomaterial shows great compatibility with bioactive materials which has proven to be of great help to mankind as not only it is involved in life sciences but also in automotives and aerodynamics as well. The main motto of this review is to know the qualities and the properties of PEEK as a capable implant prosthesis for its application focusing on dental implants. This review tells us about the challenges faced when using this material and benefits and advantages of this biomaterial.

Bone Regeneration and PEEK Implants in Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Neurosurgery: A Multidisciplinary Study

“…The PEEK polymer is a semicrystalline material, classified as a high-performance engineering thermoplastic material, that has been implemented for several uses, especially in place of other metal, ceramic, and plastic implants. The PEEK material has gained popularity based on its characteristics, including strength, durability, resistance to environmental insults, and lower infection rate [28]. PEEK implants can be designed as patient-specific implants and can be planned by using patients' CT scans.…”

Shock Absorption Capacity of High-Performance Polymers for Dental Implant-Supported Restorations: In Vitro Study

“…In addition, the possibility of milling FRC as well as PAEK devices allows the application of completely digital workflows and improves the standardization of the mechanical characteristics of the final devices, reducing the risks of possible defects related to traditional manufacturing techniques, which might affect the mechanical behavior of the prosthesis [30].…”

“…Ease of production and repair, resistance to corrosion, possible shock absorption capacity, good aesthetics, low costs, etc., also make polymeric materials like PEKK particularly suitable for implant prosthodontics when compared to other aesthetic materials such as ceramic and zirconia [30].…”

Using milled Polyetheretherketone Removable Dental Prostheses to treat a medically compromised patient

“…Cr-Co has certain limitations in terms of aesthetics, particularly when the clasps are positioned in the anterior area. It causes discomfort and has negative effects on abutment teeth, clasps fractures, and microporosity because of material shrinkage during manufacturing (Moharil et al, 2023). Research aimed at minimizing the drawbacks associated with employing metal alloy in the fabrication of RDPs, highlighted PEEK as an excellent alternative that improves aesthetics and comfort (Giachetti et al, 2020).…”

“…Both are made through 3D printing. This form of additive manufacturing enables the production of highly precise final products and offers the opportunity to fabricate complex designs (Moharil et al, 2023). Milling PEEK can be considered the best fabrication method because it provides a homogenous microlayer and higher flexural strength than the printing and injection method (Skariah et al, 2022).…”