Effectiveness of PEEK Framework in Comparison to Metal Framework for Fixed Dental Prosthesis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: This systematic review was done to evaluate Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) over metal-ceramic alloy as a fixed partial denture framework. Materials and methods: This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for conducting and reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Three independent reviewers screened the literature pertinent to PEEK in fixed dental prosthetic applications with time limits from the years 1995 January to 2020 January. The search strategy was done based on PICO formulation. PICO analysis was used to create a search questionnaire, and a complete search was piloted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Ovid, Science Direct databases for related manuscripts. Following screening and final selection, all the relevant information from the articles was extracted, tabulated, analyzed, and interpreted. Results: 140 papers were rejected grounded on the title and the abstract from the 165 publications found after perusing all databases. Twenty papers were eliminated based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, leaving only five researches to be included based on their central data. Meta-analysis could not be initiated due to the heterogeneity of the selected articles. Conclusion: Based on this systematic review, PEEK-fixed partial dentures are reported to show better esthetics and despite the fact, PEEK frameworks showed equivalent mechanical properties as metal alloys, there is insufficient evidence to validate superior mechanical properties compared to its metal counterpart. Hence future studies are required in this field for further understanding and authentication. Clinical significance: PEEK can be effectively used as an appropriate superstructure for dental implants, temporary abutments, implant aided bars, framework for removable prostheses, and fixed dental prostheses.