Digital Polyetheretherketone Complete Dentures: A Clinical Study and Finite Element Analysis
- 1Department of Geriatric Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- 2No. 964 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force, Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Changchun, China
- 3Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
Abstract
Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes and biomechanical performance of digitally fabricated polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) complete dentures with conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dentures using finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: Ten edentulous patients were enrolled. Each received both conventional PMMA dentures and digitally duplicated PEEK dentures. Tissue adaptation was evaluated using light-body silicone and 3D deviation analysis. Masticatory efficiency was assessed spectrophotometrically, and patient satisfaction via questionnaires. Paired t-tests were used for comparisons. The coefficient of friction between PEEK and mucosa was measured in vitro for the first time. Together with the concurrently measured PMMA–mucosa friction coefficient, these values were incorporated into finite element analysis software to evaluate the stress distribution and displacement of the dentures, mucosa and alveolar bone under centric and lateral occlusal conditions. Results: No significant differences were found between groups in denture–tissue adaptation or patient satisfaction at 1, 3 and 6 months ( P > .05). However, PEEK dentures showed significantly higher masticatory efficiency ( P < .01). FEA demonstrated more uniform mucosal stress distribution and reduced denture deformation in the PEEK group under both occlusal conditions. Alveolar bone stress distribution was similar and remained within physiological limits in both groups. Conclusions: Digitally fabricated PEEK complete dentures achieve comparable adaptation and satisfaction to PMMA dentures, while providing improved masticatory efficiency and favourable biomechanical performance. Clinical Significance: PEEK complete dentures fabricated via digital workflows show strong potential as a reliable alternative to conventional dentures, with promising clinical applicability.
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BibTeX
@article{fan2026digital,
title = {{Digital Polyetheretherketone Complete Dentures: A Clinical Study and Finite Element Analysis}},
author = {Sizheng Fan and Pengyuan Liu and Yongcheng Ge and Wei Li and Chao Jiang and Hongchen Sun and Xiaoqiu Liu},
journal = {International Dental Journal},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.identj.2026.111227},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2026.111227},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Digital Polyetheretherketone Complete Dentures: A Clinical Study and Finite Element Analysis
AU - Sizheng Fan
AU - Pengyuan Liu
AU - Yongcheng Ge
AU - Wei Li
AU - Chao Jiang
AU - Hongchen Sun
AU - Xiaoqiu Liu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - International Dental Journal
DO - 10.1016/j.identj.2026.111227
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2026.111227
AB - Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes and biomechanical performance of digitally fabricated polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) complete dentures with conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dentures using finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: Ten edentulous patients were enrolled. Each received both conventional PMMA dentures and digitally duplicated PEEK dentures. Tissue adaptation was evaluated using light-body silicone and 3D deviation analysis. Masticatory efficiency was assessed spectrophotometrically, and patient satisfaction via questionnaires. Paired t-tests were used for comparisons. The coefficient of friction between PEEK and mucosa was measured in vitro for the first time. Together with the concurrently measured PMMA–mucosa friction coefficient, these values were incorporated into finite element analysis software to evaluate the stress distribution and displacement of the dentures, mucosa and alveolar bone under centric and lateral occlusal conditions. Results: No significant differences were found between groups in denture–tissue adaptation or patient satisfaction at 1, 3 and 6 months ( P > .05). However, PEEK dentures showed significantly higher masticatory efficiency ( P < .01). FEA demonstrated more uniform mucosal stress distribution and reduced denture deformation in the PEEK group under both occlusal conditions. Alveolar bone stress distribution was similar and remained within physiological limits in both groups. Conclusions: Digitally fabricated PEEK complete dentures achieve comparable adaptation and satisfaction to PMMA dentures, while providing improved masticatory efficiency and favourable biomechanical performance. Clinical Significance: PEEK complete dentures fabricated via digital workflows show strong potential as a reliable alternative to conventional dentures, with promising clinical applicability.
SN - 0020-6539
SN - 1875-595X
ER -