Polyetheretherketone versus titanium CAD-CAM framework for implant-supported fixed complete dentures: a retrospective study with up to 5-year follow-up

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) versus titanium computer-aided designed and manufactured (CAD-CAM) framework for implant-supported fixed complete dentures (ISFCDs) with a follow-up for a duration of up to 5 years. Methods: Consecutively edentulous patients who underwent ISFCDs with a PEEK framework or titanium framework at one dental specialist center were included in this retrospective study. Implant/prosthesis survival rates, mechanical/biological complications, and bone and soft tissue parameters were analyzed. Overall survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. Results: Sixty ISFCDs (29 PEEK, 31 titanium) performed on 43 edentulous patients (331 implants) were included. An implant survival rate of 100% was obtained. There was no significant difference in the cumulative prosthesis survival rate between the PEEK (93.1%) and titanium groups (93.5%). The most common mechanical complications were fracture of the artificial veneer in both the PEEK (13.8%) and titanium (16.7%) groups. Bruxers had a higher prevalence of mechanical complications than non-bruxers (p<0.05). The biological complications included bleeding upon probing (13.8% for the PEEK group; 16.1% for the titanium group), soft tissue inflammation (3.4% for the PEEK group; 3.2% for the titanium group), and temporomandibular disorders (6.5% for the titanium group). The vertical bone loss was significantly lower in the PEEK group (0.70 mm) than in the titanium group (0.96 mm). Smokers had a significantly higher prevalence of biological complications than non-smokers. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, ISFCDs with PEEK frameworks can provide good prognosis for edentulous patients, still requiring longer-term validation.