PEEK: The Disruptive Polymer Star in the Dental Field

In the modern dental field that pursues biocompatibility, functional adaptability, and comfort, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), as a high-performance medical polymer, is sparking a material revolution with its unique comprehensive properties. This semi crystalline thermoplastic material has shown broad prospects in fields such as implant restoration, removable dentures, orthodontics, etc. due to its mechanical properties close to human bones, excellent biocompatibility, and digital processing advantages.

Core advantage: Disrupting the traditional combination of excellent performance

Extraordinary biocompatibility and safety:

PEEK has extremely low allergenicity and cytotoxicity, and has passed ISO 10993 biocompatibility certification, making it safe and reliable for long-term implantation in the body.

No metal ion release, avoiding possible allergies, gum staining, or electrochemical corrosion issues caused by metal materials, especially suitable for patients who are sensitive to metals.

The chemical properties are highly stable, and it is not easily degraded in complex oral environments such as temperature, humidity, pH changes, and microorganisms. Its long-term performance is stable.

Ideal biomechanical performance:

The elastic modulus (about 3-4 GPa) is closer to that of human cortical bone (~18 GPa), but much lower than that of titanium (~110 GPa) and zirconia (~210 GPa). 

This feature is crucial:

Reduce stress shielding effect: When used as an upper structure or temporary abutment for implants, it can more effectively transmit chewing force to surrounding bone tissue, promote bone remodeling and long-term stability, and reduce the risk of bone resorption.

Protecting mandibular teeth and restorations: Moderate elasticity has a "buffering" effect, reducing the risk of abnormal wear and fracture on natural teeth or ceramic restorations.

High fatigue strength and toughness: able to withstand long-term chewing force in the oral cavity without easily breaking, with good durability.

Excellent lightweight and comfort:

Low density (about 1.3 g/cm ³), only about 1/4 of metal, the weight of the removable denture bracket or temporary restoration made is extremely light, greatly improving the patient's wearing comfort and experience with minimal foreign body sensation.

Low thermal conductivity, avoiding the impact of cold and hot stimulation on dental pulp, making it more comfortable to wear.

Excellent radiation and imaging compatibility:

X-ray semi transparency allows for clear visualization of the outline of the restoration on X-ray images, without obstructing the underlying bone tissue or dental condition, facilitating clinical diagnosis and follow-up observation.

Without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) artifacts, it does not affect the MRI examination of the head or neck, providing great convenience for patients who require imaging monitoring, such as tumors and neurological diseases.

Strong adaptability to digital processing:

Excellent CAD/CAM cutting performance: PEEK blocks (pre sintered or finished) are very suitable for precision milling by CNC machines, with good edge adaptability and high efficiency.

Compatibility of 3D printing technology: In recent years, the development of medical grade PEEK wire/powder has made it an ideal choice for high-performance 3D printing, which can achieve highly personalized and complex structure production (such as personalized implant guide plates, bracket clamps), opening a new chapter in customized repair.