Comparative Stress Analysis of Custom-Made PEEK Dental Post-Cores versus Conventional Post-Cores in Incisor Restorations: A Finite Element Study

BACKGROUND: We conducted a finite element analysis to evaluate stress levels in incisor teeth restored with custom polyetheretherketone (PEEK) dental post-cores compared to conventional post-cores. MATERIAL/METHODS: Using micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging data, a 3D model of a maxillary incisor was created. For each material type, 3D mesh models were developed via specialized software. Two post diameters, 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, were considered. Five different post materials were examined: Unfilled polyetheretherketone (Group UP); Glass fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (Group GP); Carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (Group CP); Metal (Group M); and Zirconia ceramic (Group Z). Each model underwent finite element analysis, after which the von Mises equivalent stress values were determined. RESULTS: For models involving both wide and narrow diameter posts across the crown, crown cement, post cement, and dentin, PEEK posts (Group UP, GP, and CP) exhibited higher von Mises stress values than Groups Z and M. However, the reverse trend was noticed in the post model itself. In the post cement model, stress values appeared similar only for the narrow-diameter post groups. Notably, results for Groups Z and M were largely consistent with each other. CONCLUSIONS: PEEK posts, which have a lower modulus of elasticity, demonstrated different stress values when contrasted with zirconia and metal posts. As the post diameter expanded, the residual dentin decreased, influencing the stress values among various materials. Further in vitro and clinical examinations are essential to comprehensively understand PEEK posts.