Comparison analysis of poly ether ketone and poly methyl metha acrylate used in prosthodontia for dentures

Abstract

Introduction- Several materials have been introduced in dentistry for dentures for over last century. Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) has adequate flexural strength as a denture base and thereby prolonging its clinical longevity and also overcoming the most common reason for failure of Poly Methyl Metha Acrylate (PMMA) denture base that frequently results in the fracture. Aim- The aim and objective of the present study is to evaluate and compare the flexural strength and hardness of heat-cured PMMA denture base with PEEK. Material and methods- The sample size comprised of 60 samples of PMMA and PEEK which were prepared and divided into two groups i.e.; group I and group II respectively, of 30 each. Both the groups were further divided into subgroups consisting of 15 samples of PMMA and PEEK. The flexural strength was test in group I specimens by universal testing machine (UTM), and group II samples was subjected to hardness test using Vickers microhardness tester. The values were analysed statistically. The unpaired t-test was done for comparison of flexural strength and hardness of PEEK and PMMA.Result-The flexural strength of PEEK was 185 MPa, while that of PMMA was 85 MPa.