Fabrication of a removable partial denture of injectable poly (ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) made partially by a digital workflow: case report

Abstract

The introduction of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing in rehabilitation with removable partial denture, enabled the emergence of new methods of fabrication of the framework and materials. In view of this, polyether-ether-ketone appears as an alternative to Cobalt-Chromium, due to its aesthetic properties, high resistance and for being non-allergic. In this sense, the present study aimed to report a clinical case where the framework of a removable partial denture was manufactured from a digital workflow, using polyether-ether-ketone as the material of choice, compared to a removable partial denture made with a cobalt-chromium framework. In this case, it was possible to perceive that the use of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology for the construction of a removable partial denture framework of polyether-ether-ketone resulted in a denture with adequate adaptation and good aesthetics. Patient satisfaction, comfort, retention, number of follow-up sessions, masticatory performance and quality of life were evaluated. Compared with the conventional denture, the polyether-ether-ketone framework denture provided better satisfaction and comfort. Both prostheses showed similar results in terms of masticatory performance and in terms of quality of life, however the polyether-ether-ketone framework denture showed better results. In conclusion, polyether-ether-ketone proved to be a viable material for making removable partial denture framework. However, controlled and randomized clinical trials are needed to demonstrate the benefits of this treatment as an alternative in relation to the conventional denture.