28 February 2021

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PEEK: a new option for prosthodontics

Alessandra Abbà

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Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) is a linear, semi-crystalline polymer with high performance. It is used as a framework material for fixed dental prostheses, removable dental prostheses, implant-supported fixed prostheses, resin bonded fixed dental prostheses. Its use is also documented in implantology for the manufacturing of dental implants and their abutments. 

Evidence have shown good properties like biocompatibility, high temperature and wear resistance, chemical stability, polish stability. 

This review aimed to analyze the applications of PEEK in dentistry and mainly in prosthodontics. 

Material and methods

the research was conducted by means of the following database: PubMed, Science direct, Wiley online library as well as the Web search Google Scholar sources. PEEK, prosthodontics, dentistry were used as keywords. Twelve full text articles dated between January 2010 and April 2017 were selected for this review.  

Results

The selected studies were divided into groups according to the type of the study and data were systematized in assessing kind of mechanical, chemical, biological properties. PEEK resulted to be attractive to patients with high aesthetic requirements but it is not suitable for monolithic aesthetic restorations of anterior teeth.

Despite it has shown to be relatively weak mechanically in homogenic form, it has high fracture load resistance it is suitable for producing frames. Evidence confirm that resin composites can be used as a covering material of the PEEK frames. 

Mechanical properties of the PEEK are similar to dentin and enamel. It has higher resistance than lithium disilicate ceramic, aluminium or zirconia.

Conclusions

PEEK polymer is a quite new material that seems to have many application in prosthodontics. Studies in vitro show very good results, but some more clinical research are needed to get more information about its properties. For example there is still not enough knowledge about complications, biofilm formation on PEEK surface and its resistance to compression. 

For additional information: PEEK polymer's properties and its use in prosthodontics. A review