Evaluation of Impact Strength and Flexural Strength of Polyether Ether Ketone vs. Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing Polymethyl Methacrylate Denture Base Materials: An In-Vitro Study

Objective: The objective is to comparatively assess the impact strength and flexural strength of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) vs. computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) polymethyl methacrylate denture base material. Methods: A total of 90 samples were fabricated with traditional heat cure PMMA, PEEK, and CAD/CAM PMMA and divided into three groups of 30 samples each. The impact strength of all the samples was measured using an Izod impact tester with a pendulum in the air at 23±2°C. A three-point bending test was used in a Universal Testing Machine to assess the flexural strength of all the samples. The impact strength and flexural strength mean values were computed using a one-way ANOVA test. Result: Impact strength and flexural strength of PEEK (IS=10.22±1.25 kJ/m(2) and FS=120±8.0 MPa) is almost identical to CAD/CAM PMMA sample (IS=9.595±3.313 kJ/m(2) and FS=118.11±5.00 MPa) whereas for conventional heat cure PMMA (IS=4.00±.011 kJ/m(2) and FS=75.4±4.50 MPa) the values are least among the three. Conclusion: PEEK or CAD/CAM PMMA share almost identical and superior mechanical properties, and both can be used as better alternatives for complete denture fabrication rather than using conventional heat cure PMMA.