Performance of Milled versus Pressed Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Frameworks for Removable Partial Dentures

Forfattere

  • Khalid Mohammed Abdulhasan Al-Kanani Al-farahidi university\ college of dentistry, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/d3000.2026.1583

Nøgleord:

Tooth Loss, Prosthodontics, Prosthesis

Resumé

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has gained increasing popularity as a metal-free framework material for removable partial dentures (RPDs). It can be processed through two principal routes — subtractive CAD/CAM milling from industrially pre-polymerized blanks, or analogue heat-pressing from granular raw material — yet the extent to which these fabrication techniques differentially affect framework performance remains a subject of ongoing investigation. To synthesize the available evidence comparing the mechanical, physical, biological, and clinical performance of milled versus pressed PEEK RPD frameworks, and to identify the fabrication route that best satisfies the demands of contemporary prosthodontic practice. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library using Boolean search strings combining MeSH terms for polyetheretherketone, removable partial dentures, and fabrication techniques. Studies published in English between 2012 and 2026 were considered. Milled PEEK frameworks consistently demonstrated superior flexural strength (~158.7 MPa), tensile strength (~118 MPa), higher fracture resistance, lower surface roughness, and greater dimensional accuracy compared to pressed frameworks. Pressed PEEK can achieve clinically adequate retention when proper undercut depths (0.5–0.75 mm) and clasp dimensions are employed. Both routes produce biocompatible, non-cytotoxic frameworks; however, pressed frameworks show marginally higher microbial adhesion owing to surface irregularities and potential internal voids. CAD/CAM milling is currently the gold standard for fabricating PEEK RPD frameworks. Pressed PEEK represents a viable alternative for laboratories lacking milling infrastructure, provided stringent operator protocols are followed. Long-term randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm survival rates and standardize manufacturing criteria for both techniques.

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Publiceret

2026-09-22

Nummer

Årg. 14 Nr. 2 (2026)

Sektion

Adults & the Elderly

Licens

Copyright (c) 2026 Khalid Mohammed Abdulhasan Al-Kanani

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Revised 7/16/2018. Revision Description: Removed outdated link.