The use of PEEK in digital prosthodontics: A narrative review

Abstract

Background: Advanced computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology led to the introduction of an increasing number of machinable materials suitable for dental prostheses. One of these materials is polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high performance polymer recently used in dentistry with favorable physical, mechanical and chemical properties. The purpose of this study was to review the current published literature on the use of PEEK for the fabrication of dental prostheses with CAD-CAM techniques. Methods: Electronic database searches were performed using the terms "PEEK", "CAD-CAM", "dental", "dentistry" to identify studies related to the use of PEEK for the fabrication of CAD-CAM prostheses. The search period spanned from January 1990 through February 2020. Both in vivo and in vitro studies in English were eligible. Review articles and the references of the included publications were searched to identify relevant articles. Results: A great number of in vitro studies are available in the current literature pointing out the noticeable properties of PEEK. The use of PEEK has been recommended for a wide range of CAD-CAM fabricated fixed and removable dental prostheses. PEEK was additionally recommended for occlusal splints, intra-radicular posts, implant abutments, customized healing abutments and provisional restorations. However, only a few clinical studies were identified. Conclusions: PEEK could be considered as a viable alternative for CAD-CAM fixed and removable dental prostheses to well-established dental materials. Due to the scarcity of clinical data, clinical trials are needed to assess the longterm performance of PEEK prostheses.

Fracture Load of Metal, Zirconia and Polyetheretherketone Posterior CAD-CAM Milled Fixed Partial Denture Frameworks

“…Niem et al [ 56 ] concluded that the mechanical properties of ceramic CAD-CAM materials and polymer-based materials were not affected by thermocycling in terms of their flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. Conversely, most hybrid composite materials showed significant degradation [ 21 , 56 ]. In addition, there are great differences among the studies in the test conditions, and no standardization exists regarding the number of cycles, the load applied, the temperatures, or the solution used (distilled water or saliva) [ 8 , 9 , 18 , 28 , 32 , 35 , 43 , 44 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 54 , 57 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, veneering with light-curing composites makes the chipping clinically repairable and prevents the wear of opposing teeth [ 19 , 20 ]. PEEK is a relatively new material that is becoming widespread in clinical practice, although few studies are available on CAD-CAM FPDs [ 21 ].…”

Retention force of polyetheretherketone and cobalt-chrome-molybdenum removable dental prosthesis clasps after artificial aging

“…Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a member of the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family, possesses a high biocompatibility, excellent mechanical characteristics, a high chemical stability, and a high temperature resistance [13][14][15][16]. Due to its high flexibility, PEEK RDPs induce less stress on abutment teeth and may be less prone to deformation or fracture than standard alloy counterparts [17,18]. PEEK furthermore possesses a low weight, an important factor for RDPs of the maxilla, and allows for an individual adaption of the clasp color to the patients' natural tooth color.…”

Combination of Polydopamine Coating and Plasma Pretreatment to Improve Bond Ability Between PEEK and Primary Teeth

“…Polyether etherketone (PEEK), as a tooth colored, highperformance thermoplastic polymer, has been considered to be a promising alternative to ceramic materials in crown restoration (Tsuka et al, 2019;Attia and Shokry, 2020;Papathanasiou et al, 2020). PEEK features attractive mechanical properties (similar to dentin and enamel), wear and chemical resistance, dimensional stability, high polishing qualities, good aesthetics, and excellent biocompatibility (Najeeb et al, 2016;Skirbutis et al, 2018;Bathala et al, 2019;Caglar et al, 2019;Tsuka et al, 2019;Papathanasiou et al, 2020). Recently, PEEK has also been applied in clinical dentistry for fixed dental prostheses, implants, abutment, temporary prostheses, and removable prosthodontics (Najeeb et al, 2016;Zoidis et al, 2016;Skirbutis et al, 2018;Papathanasiou et al, 2020).…”

“…PEEK features attractive mechanical properties (similar to dentin and enamel), wear and chemical resistance, dimensional stability, high polishing qualities, good aesthetics, and excellent biocompatibility (Najeeb et al, 2016;Skirbutis et al, 2018;Bathala et al, 2019;Caglar et al, 2019;Tsuka et al, 2019;Papathanasiou et al, 2020). Recently, PEEK has also been applied in clinical dentistry for fixed dental prostheses, implants, abutment, temporary prostheses, and removable prosthodontics (Najeeb et al, 2016;Zoidis et al, 2016;Skirbutis et al, 2018;Papathanasiou et al, 2020). Thus, PEEK should be an ideal and reliable material with the potential to manufacture the restoration of primary molar teeth (Najeeb et al, 2016;Klur et al, 2019).…”