Evaluation of two-body wear rate and roughness of polyetheretherketone and zirconia opposing enamel structure: an in-vitro study

Abstract

Background/aim Investigation of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a new synthetic thermoplastic polymer, as an alternative for zirconia for veneering frameworks, to be used with weakened abutment teeth, as in cases of patients with parafunctional habits. This study aimed to investigate the two-body wear rate and roughness of PEEK and zirconia by itself and against human enamel. Materials and methods A total of six disc-shaped zirconia (n=6) and six disc-shaped PEEK specimens (n=6) (10 mm in diameter with a thickness of 2 mm) were prepared. Human enamel antagonists were produced by sectioning of 12 premolars. The two-body wear testing was performed using chewing simulator. Weight loss was assessed by electronic analytical balance. The optical profilometry was used for roughness evaluation. Results The findings of this study revealed that PEEK showed a comparable effect upon comparison with zirconia, although there was a statistically nonsignificant difference between weight changes recorded for wear in both PEEK and zirconia groups, tested alone or with enamel antagonists, as indicated by the unpaired t test. Moreover, the optical profilometer revealed that, the difference between surface roughness changes recorded for both groups, tested alone or with enamel antagonists, was statistically nonsignificant as indicated by the unpaired t test. Conclusion PEEK showed a promising effect in terms of antagonistic tooth wear and roughness upon comparison with zirconia. However, the results were not significant between both materials.