Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 5

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Mehboob Raza Khan
mehboob35@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: The use of Zirconia in dentistry has increased the number of metal-free ceramic restorations that may be used with remarkable
success and reliability. Crown/connector fractures are the most common clinical problems associated with Zirconia fixed partial dentures (FPDs).
Becoming a high-performance, low elastic polymer, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), it has a shock-absorbing function and a reduced chance of
fracturing. Zirconia’s fracture strength is well known so that this work was aimed at evaluating PEEK’s fracture strength and comparing it with
Zirconia. Aim and Objective: This study was aimed at comparing the fracture strength in computer-based design, production with computer
assistance, 3-unit Zirconia anterior, and PEEK frameworks. Materials and Methods: Prefabricated 3-unit anterior FPD dental models were
produced and scanned in relation to 21, 22, and 23 using a 3-shape, Trios intraoral scanner, metallic die-milling employing base metal alloy.
The same oral intrascanner has been utilized for metallic die scanning (3Shape, Trios). Five computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided
manufacturing (CAM) Zirconia 3-unit frameworks were created and metallic die cement was employed for concrete purposes, including five
PEEK 3-unit (B group), for bonding resin cement was used. The strength of the fracture was tested by a universal test equipment. The force was
applied to the specimen with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until the catastrophic collapse took place. The average strength fracture value
for each FPD was recorded and analyzed statistically by unpaired Student’s t-test. Results: The average CAD/CAM Zirconia fracture strength
is 1872 N + 12.55 N and the average CAD/CAM PEEK fracture strength is 2573 N + 13.33 N. The CAD/CAM PEEK fracture strength was
higher than CAD/CAM Zirconia. Statistically, the values were significant by 1% (P < 0.01). Conclusion: PEEK could be an alternative
metal-free, cosmetic material for replacing missing teeth since the value of the fractures was considerably higher compared to Zirconia.
Keywords: Fixed partial denture, Fracture strength, Polyetheretherketone, Zirconia.