Introduction of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a synthetic tooth coloring polymer material that has been used as a biomaterial in orthopaedics for many years. In 1978, it was developed by a group of British scientists. Later PEEK was commercialized for industrial applications. By the late 1990s, PEEK was an important high-performance thermoplastic candidate to replace metal implant components.

Applications 

lPEEK Crowns

Etching with sulfuric acid creates a rough chemically altered surface that allows it to bond more effectively with hydrophobic resin composites. It was observed that the shear bond strength to resin composite cement was as high as 15.3 7.2 MPa after being stored in water at 3780 C for 60–90 s with sulfuric acid etching. Etching with Piranha Acid and Using Adhesive Reagents have been shown to produce composite resin tensile bond strengths as high as 23.4+/-9.9MPa in aged PEEK specimens. There was no significant difference in tensile bond strength between PEEK crowns and dentin abutments using air abrasion and sulfuric acid etching techniques. These studies show that PEEK can be used as a capping material under resin composites.

lPEEK Abutment

Considering sufficient biocompatibility, implant healing abutments can be constructed using PEEK. Bone resorption and soft tissue inflammation did not differ significantly between PEEK and titanium abutments. In addition, the oral microflora attached to PEEK abutments was comparable to abutments made of titanium, zirconia, and polymethyl methacrylate. The close matching of the elastic modulus of the bone to the PEEK surface reduces the stress shielding effect and promotes bone remodeling. Therefore, PEEK could prove to be a viable alternative to titanium for the construction of implant abutments.

lPEEK in removable Prostheses

Traditional removable dentures (RDPs) with chrome-cobalt frames and clasps have emerged as an inexpensive and predictable treatment option for the rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients. The aesthetically unacceptable presentation of metal buckles, the increased weight of the prosthesis, the potential for metallic taste, and allergic reactions to metals have led to the introduction of many thermoplastic materials, such as nylon and acetal resins, into clinical practice. Over the past few years, an alternative prosthetic material (PEEK) has been successfully used in the medical field, especially in orthopaedics. The modified PEEK material with 20% ceramic filler is a high performance polymer with high biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, high temperature resistance and chemical stability. Thanks to its elastic modulus of 4 GPa, it is as elastic as bone, reducing the stress transmitted to the abutment. Additionally, the white color of the PEEK frame offers a different aesthetic approach than traditional metal frame displays. Other advantages of this polymer material are elimination of allergic reactions and metallic taste, high polishing quality, low plaque affinity and good abrasion resistance.

lPEEK orthodontic wires

PEEK can be used as an aesthetic orthodontic wire. Compared to other polymers, such as polyvinylsulfone (PES) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), PEEK orthodontic wires offer higher orthodontic strength. Similar orthodontic forces were obtained compared to titanium-molybdenum and nickel-titanium wires.

lPEEK implants

In the 1960s, intraosseous dental implants were mostly made of pure metal titanium and titanium alloys. Although titanium implants are supported by a large amount of experimental and clinical research evidence, there are still some problems in their clinical use. One is the potential sensitization of titanium. Second, compared with human bone tissue, the elastic modulus of titanium is too high, which is prone to remodeling or loss of bone tissue. Third, metal implants lack light transmittance, which affects the appearance.

   In 1998, the British company Invibio launched PEEK implants. With the advent of commercial PEEK implants, related research has gradually increased. PEEK and its modified materials have good properties. Some scholars believe that PEEK implants can avoid the occurrence of stress shielding effects, and can even replace metal implants in plastic surgery, trauma surgery and other fields.

Advantages

1. Biocompatibility - The biocompatibility of PEEK has been proven, with multiple studies confirming its non-toxicity. Even after use in thousands of patients, PEEK remains an ideal choice compared to metals, which can cause allergic reactions in up to 15% of the population.

PEEK components are used in spinal implants, trauma fixation devices, hip and knee replacements, and other medical devices. In any case, there is no question about the safety of PEEK in the body.

2. Mechanical properties - PEEK has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which is especially important for dental implants and devices. Compared to metal, PEEK is lighter and more comfortable for the patient. This added comfort also doesn't compromise durability, as PEEK can withstand abrasive and compressive forces without losing its integrity. This polymer is impervious to corrosion and absorbs moisture at a minimal rate, so it can last for years without performance degradation.

3. Machining capability-Dentists are relying on computer-aided design (CAD) and machining (CAM) more than ever, and PEEK is perfect for that. An essential feature of modern dental equipment is the exact match to the patient's anatomy, and CAD/CAM is necessary to create it. This ensures that the device will rest comfortably, function optimally and be used for as long as possible.

If PEEK is machined to the manufacturer's specifications, it will retain its properties after milling. This added stability allows for greater flexibility during the design phase and makes it easier for dentists to equip their patients with custom equipment.

PEEK’s easy compatibility with CAD/CAM methods also means it can be processed quickly and consistently. In short, PEEK devices can be produced reliably and quickly.

4. Flexibility - This high performance polymer is durable but not stiff. When unfilled, it provides a modulus similar to cortical bone, making PEEK a strong, flexible dental material. With its extra flexibility, PEEK feels natural in the mouth and remains elastic even after years of biting and chewing. Dental devices must maintain their shape while subject to constant pressure, and PEEK is one of the best polymers for this.

5. Radiolucent - The bone-like modulus and radiolucency of PEEK are two properties that initially attracted the attention of medical researchers to PEEK, and it remains one of the outstanding properties of the polymer. In recent years, research on PEEK dental implants has shown that the material has considerable potential in this field.

The radiolucency of PEEK is a valuable property when the material is used in any implantation procedure. Once implanted, the polymer will not visually interfere with X-ray, CT or MRI scans. Since X-rays are essential for dental diagnosis, PEEK’s opacity to the image will ensure that dentists can do their job of monitoring patient health. Where PEEK’s superior radiolucency might be seen as a hindrance, the polymer can be enhanced with additives such as barium sulfate to create better contrast.

6. Aesthetics - Just as PEEK can be easily manufactured into custom shapes, it can be color matched precisely to the patient. In contrast, metals are often impossible to hide in the mouth, which is a concern for patients.

PEEK is a dental material that blends easily into the mouth because its color can be modified during processing. Even full dentures can be made naturally, ensuring patients can speak, smile and eat with confidence.

7. Neutral taste - Another problem with metal instruments is that they impart a metallic taste to many patients. It's not a health issue, but it's a constant frustration for patients who don't want to be reminded that they have dentures or frames.

Conclusion

So, don't hesitate to consult PEEK material from Bloomden dental material supplier.