3D-printed Polyetheretherketone Research Articles

Void Content Measurement of the 3D Printed PEEK Materials by X-Ray Micro Computed Tomography

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry as various AM technologies continue to mature and more AM-compatible materials are being developed. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is one of the promising materials at the forefront of this technological revolution as efforts to enhance its application as a 3D-printing material are continuously being pursued. In this study, the effect of printing parameters on the void content of 3D-printed PEEK was examined using a non-destructive method, X-ray micro computed tomography (X-ray micro-CT). Of the fused filament fabrication (FFF) parameters considered, higher nozzle temperature and printing speed were seen to promote an increase in void content while higher build plate temperature reduces it. Void content has a direct effect on the mechanical and other properties of the manufactured material and therefore provides a link between the printing parameters and the expected mechanical performance of these materials. This study also highlights the importance of choosing the right printing parameters to ensure the quality of the manufactured PEEK.

Evaluation of the mechanical properties and fit of 3D-printed polyetheretherketone removable partial dentures.

Compared with CAD/CAM, fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology is simple and safe to operate and has a low cost and high material utilization rate; thus, it is widely used. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties and fit of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) removable partial dentures (RPDs) constructed by FDM. We analyzed mechanical properties of PEEK samples prepared by FDM, milling, or injection molding. RPDs were designed and finite element analysis models was constructed to evaluate maximum stress and strain in the RPDs, cortical bone and mucosa. Geomagic Qualify software was used to analyze gaps between the model and the tissue surface of the framework. The results showed that the compressive strength of the 3D-printed PRDs was greater than that of the injection-molded samples. Finite element analysis demonstrated that the maximum stress on the PRDs was less than the yield strength of the material. Overall, the mechanical properties and fit of the PEEK RPD fabricated by FDM technology essentially fulfilled clinical requirements.

Biomechanical Tests on Long-Bone Elliptical Medullary-Canal Endoprostheses for Limb Salvage in Dogs.

Exo-endoprosthesis is a limb salvage procedure poorly described for animals, as only expensive metal devices have been used so far. Currently, additive manufacturing (AM) can make this type of implant affordable by exploring a wide new range of materials. However, safety factors should be considered and could be related to kinetic and kinematic studies of canine natural gaits. The suitability of a novel inner part of an exo-endoprosthesis manufactured by fuse deposition modeling (FDM) was assessed for long canine bones with an elliptical medullary canal. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was the material used as an alternative to metal for veterinary traumatology. Poisson's ratio of 3D-printed PEEK material and ex vivo mechanical tests of the customized endoprosthesis were performed for the evaluation. The customized endoprostheses had promising outcomes for the radii of 20 kg dogs. Quasistatic mechanical tests of bone-inserted endoprostheses-pure compression tests-reached a maximum force of 1045.0 ± 78.0 N. In fatigue tests, the samples reached 500,000 cycles without failure or detriment to their quasistatic results. These outcomes surpass the natural weight-bearing of dogs, even during a galloping pace. Furthermore, torque tests with different adhesives were performed to obtain reference data for future assessments comparing with natural dog movements.

Comparison Between 3-Dimensional-Printed Titanium and Polyetheretherketone Cages: 1-Year Outcome After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion.

ObjectiveThree-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium implants have been developed recently, but the utility is not yet proven. The aim of this study was to compare 3D-printed titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). MethodsBetween October 2018 and September 2021, we retrospectively analyzed 83 patients who underwent single-level MIS-TLIF (3D-printed titanium, 40; PEEK, 43). Radiologic parameters were assessed with x-ray and computed tomography (CT) at postoperative 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year. Clinical status was evaluated using Oswestry Disability Index, visual analogue scale score, and Bridwell fusion grading was assessed on 6-month and 1-year postoperative CT. ResultsThere were no differences between the 2 groups in demographics and clinical outcomes. At 1-year of follow-up, the reported 3D-printed titanium fusion grades were grade I: 77.5% (31 patients), grade II: 17.5% (7 patients), and grade III: 5% (2 patients). The PEEK fusion grades were grade I: 51.2% (22 patients), grade II: 41.9% (18 patients), and grade III: 7.0% (3 patients). For overall fusion rate (grade I + II), there was no difference between the 2 cages (95.0% vs. 93.0%, p=0.705), but grade I was reported at a higher incidence in 3D-printed titanium than PEEK (77.5% vs. 51.2%, p=0.013). There was no difference between cages based on subsidence and complications. ConclusionThere were no significant differences in the overall fusion rate for MIS-TLIF surgery between 3D-printed titanium and PEEK, but the fusion grade was better in 3D-printed titanium than in PEEK. Long-term follow-up is required to verify the effectiveness.

Mechanical Properties of Fused Deposition Modeling of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Interest for Dental Restorations: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the optimal printing parameters for the producing of fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) elements with mechanical properties suitable for dental restorations. Indeed, the mechanical properties are a critical prerequisite for the study of other parameters, such as physical, aesthetic and biological properties. An exhaustive electronic search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase and Web of knowledge databases to gather all the studies evaluating the influence of the printing parameters on the obtained mechanical properties of FDM 3D-printed PEEK elements were selected. Initially, the search resulted in 614 eligible papers. Independent screenings of the abstracts were performed by two authors to identify the articles related to the question. Twenty-nine studies were selected, of which eleven were further excluded after reading of the full text, and finally, eighteen articles were included in this review. The studies were difficult to compare due to the variability of the printing parameters and the types of PEEK. However, it seems interesting to use a high infill rate, a high chamber temperature close to that of the printing temperature and a heat post-treatment to obtain 3D PEEK elements presenting properties adapted to use as dental restorations. The analysis of the available literature suggested that the properties of PEEK could make it an interesting material in dental restorations to be performed with FDM additive manufacturing.

Biocompatibility of 3D-Printed PLA, PEEK and PETG: Adhesion of Bone Marrow and Peritoneal Lavage Cells.

Samples in the form of cylindrical plates, additively manufactured using the fused deposition modelling (or filament freeform fabrication, FDM/FFF) technology from polylactide (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), were studied in series of in-vitro experiments on the adhesion of rat bone-marrow cells and rat peritoneal cells. Methods of estimation of the absolute number of cells and polymer samples’ mass change were used for the evaluation of cells adhesion, followed by the evaluation of cell-culture supernatants. The results of experiments for both types of cells demonstrated a statistically significant change in the absolute number of cells (variation from 44 to 119%) and the weight of the polymer samples (variation from 0.61 to 2.18%), depending on roughness of sample surface, controlled by a nozzle diameter of a 3D printer as well as printing layer height. It was found that more cells adhere to PLA samples with a larger nozzle diameter and layer height. For PETG samples, the results did not show a clear relationship between cell adhesion and printing parameters. For PEEK samples, on the contrary, adhesion to samples printed with a lower nozzle diameter (higher resolution) is better than to samples printed with a larger nozzle diameter (lower resolution). The difference in results for various polymers can be explained by their chemical structure.

Biomechanical Test of a New Endoprosthesis for Cylindrical Medullary Canals in Dogs.

Exo-endoprosthesis is a limb salvage procedure for animals, although only expensive metal devices have been described. Now-a-days, new materials for this type of implant could be considered due to novel and affordable manufacturing techniques. However, a factor of safety (FoS) should be considered. There are kinetic and kinematic studies of canine natural gaits, which can be used to establish an FoS for mechanical tests for new non-metallic devices. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is used in different specialties in human medicine. Its mechanical properties (and its close mechanical stiffness to that of bone) make this polymer an alternative to metals in veterinary traumatology. PEEK could also be used in 3D printing. The suitability of a novel inner part of an exo-endoprosthesis manufactured by fuse deposition modeling (FDM) was presented in this study for long canine bones. Mechanical characterization of 3D-printed PEEK material and ex vivo mechanical tests of a customized endoprosthesis were performed to address it. Young's modulus of 3D-printed PEEK suffered a reduction of 30% in relation to bulk PEEK. Customized 3D-printed PEEK endoprostheses had promising outcomes for the tibiae of 20 kg dogs. Pure compression tests of the non-inserted endoprostheses showed a maximum force of 936 ± 199 N. In the bending tests of non-inserted endoprostheses, the PEEK part remained intact. Quasistatic mechanical tests of bone-inserted endoprostheses (compression-bending and pure compression tests) reached a maximum force of 785 ± 101 N and 1,642 ± 447 N, respectively. In fatigue tests, the samples reached 500,000 cycles without failure or detriment to their quasistatic results. These outcomes surpass the natural weight-bearing of dogs, even during a galloping pace. In conclusion, the 3D-printed PEEK part of the endoprosthesis for an exo-endoprosthesis can withstand loading, even during a galloping pace.

3D Printed Strontium and Zinc Doped Hydroxyapatite Loaded PEEK for Craniomaxillofacial Implants.

In this study, Strontium (Sr) and Zinc (Zn) doped-HA nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into polyetheretherketone (PEEK) up to 30 wt.% and processed by a novel approach i.e., fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing for the production of patient specific cranial implants with improved bioactivity and the required mechanical performance. Filaments were produced via extrusion and subsequently 3D-printed using FDM. To further improve the bioactivity of the 3D-printed parts, the samples were dip-coated in polyethylene glycol-DOPA (PEG-DOPA) solution. The printing quality was influenced by filler loading, but was not significantly influenced by the nature of doped-HA. Hence, the printing conditions were optimized for each sample. Micro-CT and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed a uniform distribution of bioceramic particles in PEEK. Although agglomeration of particles increased with increase in filler loadings. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed that the melting point and crystallinity of PEEK increased with an increase in doped-HA loading from 343 °C to 355 °C and 27.7% to 34.6%, respectively. Apatite formation was confirmed on the 3D-printed samples after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7, 14 and 28 days via SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The tensile strength and impact strength decreased from 75 MPa to 51 MPa and 14 kJ/m2 to 4 kJ/m2, respectively, while Young’s modulus increased with increasing doped-HA content from 2.8 GPa to 4.2 GPa. However, the tensile strengths of composites remained in the range of human cortical bone i.e., ≥50 MPa. In addition, there was a slight increase in mechanical strength after 28 days immersion which was attributed to apatite formation. Water contact angle showed that the hydrophilicity of the samples improved after coating the 3D-printed samples with PEG-DOPA. Hence, based on the results, the 3D-printed PEEK nanocomposites with 20 wt.% doped-HA is selected as the best candidate for the 3D-printing of craniomaxillofacial implants.

Custom design and biomechanical clinical trials of 3D‐printed polyether ether ketone femoral shaft prosthesis

During the surgical resection and reconstruction of a pathological femoral fracture, the removal of the femoral tumor leaves a large bone defect. Thus, it is necessary to reconstruct the defect and perform internal fixation. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has been widely used in spinal fusion and cranioplasty given its excellent biomechanical properties, biocompatibility, and stability. The typical design method of femoral prosthesis is based on the contralateral mirror image model (M-model), and we propose a novel method for designing femoral prosthesis, which is based on the cross section and centerline of the mirrored femur (C-model). In this study, the femoral shaft prostheses based on two models were manufactured using fused deposition modeling technology, and we use mechanical test and finite element analysis (FEA) to reveal the differences in mechanical properties of the two models. The mechanical results showed that the maximum loading force and yield strength were increased by 3% and 6% in the C-model prosthesis compared with the M-model prosthesis, respectively. In FEA, the results indicate that the C-model prosthesis could reduce the stress concentration by 5.4%-10.9% compared to the M-model prosthesis. Finally, the 3D-printed PEEK femoral shaft prosthesis based on C-model was implanted, no early complications occurred. Postoperative radiological examination indicated that the prosthesis and the femoral osteotomy end were closely matched and fixed well.

Antibacterial Activity Studies of 3D-Printing Polyetheretherketone Substrates with Surface Growth of 2D TiO2/ZnO Rodlike Arrays.

Heterogeneous metal implants have been applied in clinical treatments of skeletal wounds, but their low antibacterial properties and the possibility of a release of metal ions may have harmful influences on the human body. Therefore, a polymer implant with low cost, high safety, an elastic modulus similar to that of human bone, and a good antibacterial property must be produced for orthopedic treatments. In this study, the surface of a 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) disk was grown with ZnO/TiO2 rodlike arrays using a chemical bath deposition. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy images showed that TiO2/ZnO rodlike arrays were deposited onto the PEEK substrate. With the direct absorption of antibiotic agents onto the surface of TiO2/ZnO/PEEK samples, their antibacterial performances greater than the values of minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit the growth of 90% of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) remained for around 10 days. The concentration of Zn2+ ions in a buffer solution is reduced with the coating of a TiO2 layer on a ZnO rodlike array. The sample with absorption from a mixture containing ampicillin and vancomycin salts with a weight ratio of 1:1 had the best inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli and S. aureus.

3D-printed porous PEEK scaffold combined with CSMA/POSS bioactive surface: A strategy for enhancing osseointegration of PEEK implants

As an attractive biomaterial for orthopedic implants , polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has many prominent characteristics such as good biocompatibility and biomechanical properties , as well as natural radiolucency. However, the potential clinical application is limited due to its biologically inert surface and poor osseointegration . To solve this problem, we fabricate a macroporous PEEK scaffold modified with methacrylated chitosan/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (CSMA/POSS) nanocomposite through 3D printing , sulfonation and UV-induced graft polymerization. The water contact angle, protein adsorption ability and biomineralization study of the sulfonation-treated PEEK (SPEEK)-CSMA/POSS scaffolds were measured in order to evaluate the surface properties. The results indicated that CSMA/POSS as a bioactive microporous surface integrated with nanoparticles promoted the protein adsorption and apatite formation . For the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the osteogenicity, rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and rat calvaria defect repair model were used. Biological results showed that the 3D porous structure and bioactive surface of modified PEEK scaffolds provided a suitable condition for cell adhesion and proliferation, enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs and promoted osteogenesis in vivo compared to the untreated PEEK scaffold. Therefore, 3D-printed macroporous PEEK scaffold modified with CSMA/POSS bioactive microporous surface represents a promising modification strategy for enhancing osseointegration of PEEK implants.

3D printed Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polyamide (PA) and its evaluation of mechanical properties and its uses in healthcare applications.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is evolving continuously which enables 3D printing a given idea into a functional prototype, the complex structures can be 3D printed with versatility of changing the density depending on the in-fills programmed during printing thus it can be light in weight with less material wastage which cannot be achieved by other methods. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is widely used in implantable devices such as spinal, dental and orthopedic implants due to its superior biocompatibility and nearly matching properties with bone. Polyamide (PA) is another biomaterial widely used as sutures, catheters, and dentures due to its biocompatibility. In the present study, the specimen of PEEK and polyamide were 3D printed and the mechanical properties evaluated and compared for healthcare applications. Methodology: In this work, a comparison of mechanical strength such as compressive strength (CS), tensile strength (TS), flexure strength (FS), and impact strength (IS) of 3D printed PEEK samples by fused deposition modelling (FDM) and PA specimens by selective laser sintering (SLS), respectively. Samples for mechanical strength were prepared according to ASTM and ISO specifications. Result: The strength of the Polyether ether ketone was higher than that of Polyamide. Conclusions: The results of this experiment provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical strength of PEEK and PA, that can be used as a valuable guide for their healthcare applications.

Applications of 3D-Printed PEEK via Fused Filament Fabrication: A Systematic Review.

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is an organic polymer that has excellent mechanical, chemical properties and can be additively manufactured (3D-printed) with ease. The use of 3D-printed PEEK has been growing in many fields. This article systematically reviews the current status of 3D-printed PEEK that has been used in various areas, including medical, chemical, aerospace, and electronics. A search of the use of 3D-printed PEEK articles published until September 2021 in various fields was performed using various databases. After reviewing the articles, and those which matched the inclusion criteria set for this systematic review, we found that the printing of PEEK is mainly performed by fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers. Based on the results of this systematic review, it was concluded that PEEK is a versatile material, and 3D-printed PEEK is finding applications in numerous industries. However, most of the applications are still in the research phase. Still, given how the research on PEEK is progressing and its additive manufacturing, it will soon be commercialized for many applications in numerous industries.

3D-Printed Multifunctional Polyetheretherketone Bone Scaffold for Multimodal Treatment of Osteosarcoma and Osteomyelitis.

In this work, we developed the first 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based bone scaffold with multi-functions targeting challenging bone diseases such as osteosarcoma and osteomyelitis. A 3D-printed PEEK/graphene nanocomposite scaffold was deposited with a drug-laden (antibiotics and/or anti-cancer drugs) hydroxyapatite coating. The graphene nanosheets within the scaffold served as effective photothermal agents that endowed the scaffold with on-demand photothermal conversion function under near-infrared laser irradiation. The bioactive hydroxyapatite coating significantly boosted the stem cell proliferation in vitro and promoted new bone growth in vivo. The presence of antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs enabled eradication of drug-resistant bacteria and ablation of osteosarcoma cancer cells, the treatment efficacy of which can be further enhanced by on-demand laser-induced heating. The promising results demonstrate the strong potential of our multi-functional scaffold in applications such as bone defect repair and multimodal treatment of osteosarcoma and osteomyelitis.

Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Duotone 3D-Printed Polyetheretherketone as Oral Prosthetic Materials: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Literature has reported the successful use of 3D printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) to fabricate human body implants and oral prostheses. However, the current 3D printed PEEK (brown color) cannot mimic the vivid color of oral tissues and thus cannot meet the esthetical need for dental application. Therefore, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) were incorporated into PEEK to prepare a series of tooth-color and gingival-color PEEK composites in this study. Through color measurements and mechanical tests, the color value and mechanical performance of the 3D printed PEEK composites were evaluated. In addition, duotone PEEK specimens were printed by a double nozzle with an interface between tooth-color and gingival-color parts. The mechanical performance of duotone PEEK with two different interfaces (horizontal and vertical) was investigated. With the addition of TiO2 and Fe2O3, the colors of 3D printed PEEK composites become closer to that of dental shade guides. 3D printed PEEK composites generally demonstrated superior tensile and flexural properties and hence have great potential in the dental application. In addition, duotone 3D printed PEEK with a horizontal interfacial orientation presented better mechanical performance than that with a vertical one.

Comparison of 3D-printed titanium-alloy, standard titanium-alloy, and PEEK interbody spacers in an ovine model

BACKGROUND CONTEXTOsseointegration is a pivotal process in achieving a rigid fusion and ultimately a successful clinical outcome following interbody fusion surgery. Advancements in 3D printing technology permit commonly used titanium interbody spacers to be designed with unique architectures, such as a highly interconnected and specific porous structure that mimics the architecture of trabecular bone. Interbody implants with a microscale surface roughness and biomimetic porosity may improve bony ongrowth and ingrowth compared to traditional materials. PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to compare the osseointegration of lumbar interbody fusion devices composed of surgical-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK), titanium-alloy (TAV), and 3D-printed porous, biomimetic TAV (3DP) using an in vivo ovine model. STUDY DESIGNIn Vivo Preclinical Animal Study METHODSEighteen sheep underwent two-level lateral lumbar interbody fusion randomized with either 3DP, PEEK, or TAV interbody spacers (n=6 levels for each spacer per time point). Postoperative time points were 6 and 12 weeks. Microcomputed tomography and histomorphometry were used to quantify bone volume (BV) within the spacers (ingrowth) and the surface bone apposition ratio (BAR) (ongrowth), respectively. RESULTSThe 3DP-treatment group demonstrated significantly higher BV than the PEEK and TAV groups at 6 weeks (77.3±44.1 mm3, 116.9±43.0 mm3, and 108.7±15.2 mm3, respectively) (p<.05). At 12 weeks, there were no BV differences between groups (p>.05). BV increased in all groups from the 6- to 12-week time points (p<.05). At both time points, the 3DP-treated group (6w: 23.6±10.9%; 12w: 36.5±10.9%) had significantly greater BAR than the PEEK (6w: 8.6±2.1%; 12w: 14.0±5.0%) and TAV (6w: 6.0±5.7%; 12w: 4.1±3.3%) groups (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS3DP interbody spacers facilitated greater total bony ingrowth at 6 weeks, and greater bony ongrowth postoperatively at both 6 and 12 weeks, in comparison to solid PEEK and TAV implants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEBased on these findings, the 3DP spacers may be a reasonable alternative to traditional PEEK and TAV spacers in various clinical applications of interbody fusion.

Digital fabrication of a maxillary obturator prosthesis by using a 3-dimensionally–printed polyetheretherketone framework

The digital fabrication of a maxillary obturator with a 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) framework is described. Digital oral data were scanned for the computer-aided design (CAD) of the framework and the 3D printing of a preliminary resin cast. The framework was accurately printed from a PEEK filament material. A secondary impression was made to fabricate the definitive cast. The PEEK framework exhibited precise fit, excellent retention, and reduced weight compared with a typical metal framework.

An overview on the influence of process parameters through the characteristic of 3D-printed PEEK and PEI parts

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology is increasingly applied in automotive, aerospace and medical applications. FFF is one of the most widely used additive manufacturing techniques to manufacture thermoplastics or their composites. FFF enables improvement in both cycle time and total cost of product development. Such improvements are achieved through the quick manufacture of functional prototypes enable real-world product development and testing. While the benefits of FFF are undeniable, its use in demanding applications is hindered by materials properties. The used commodity and standard polymers actually exhibit low to medium thermal and mechanical properties. To overcome this limitation, the aerospace industry looks for high-performance thermoplastics to obtain plastic parts strong enough to be used as a replacement for metal. Recent developments in FFF equipment now enable engineering polymers, such as Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and Polyether imide (PEI), to be utilized for parts with increased mechanical and thermal properties. Thus, this article reviews and discusses the properties and the printing parameters of PEEK and PEI produced by FFF.

3D-printed PEEK implant for mandibular defects repair - a new method

Functional reconstruction of large-size mandibular continuity defect is still a major challenge in the oral and maxillofacial surgery due to the unsatisfactory repair effects and various complications. This study aimed to develop a new functional repair method for mandibular defects combined with 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant and the free vascularized fibula graft, and evaluated the service performance of the implant under whole masticatory motion. The design criteria and workflows of the mandibular reconstruction were established based on the requirements of safety, functionality, and shape consistency. Both the biomechanical behavior and the mechanobiological property of mandibular reconstruction under various masticatory motion were investigated by the finite element analysis. The maximum von Mises stress of each component was lower than the yield strength of the corresponding material and the safety factor was more than 2.3 times, which indicated the security of the repair method can be guaranteed. Moreover, the actual deformation of the reconstruction model was lower than that of the normal mandible under most clenching tasks, which assured the primary stability. More than 80% of the volume elements in the bone graft can obtain effective mechanical stimulation, which benefited to reduce the risks of bone resorption. Finally, the novel repair method was applied in clinic and good clinical performances have been achieved. Compared with the conventional fibular bone graft for surgical mandibular reconstruction, this study provides excellent safety and stability to accomplish the functional reconstruction and aesthetic restoration of the mandible defect.

Digital fabrication of an adult speech aid prosthesis by using a 3-dimensionally printed polyetheretherketone framework

This article presents a digital fabrication method for a speech aid prosthesis by using a 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) framework. The computer-aided design (CAD) of the speech aid prosthesis framework was based on oral scan data. The framework was printed with PEEK filament material supplemented with nanoTiO2 powder by fused deposition modeling (FDM). A resin preliminary cast was 3D printed, and an altered cast technique was adopted to fabricate the definitive cast. The PEEK framework exhibited precise fit, toothlike color, excellent mechanical properties, and reduced weight as compared with a typical metal framework. This technique describes the successful clinical application of 3D-printed PEEK material for the fabrication of an adult speech aid prosthesis.