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.