Comparison of retentive forces between telescopic crowns made of poly(ether ether ketone) and type 4 gold alloy

In this study, retentive forces were compared between telescopic crowns (TSC) made with poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) using computer-aided design and manufacturing and type 4 gold alloy using the conventional method. The retentive forces of TSCs were evaluated by performing a pull-out test with primary and secondary crowns. Initial retentive force was approximately 12 N for both PEEK and gold alloy TSCs. The retentive force of PEEK TSC was approximately 6.5 N after 10,000 cycles of insertion and removal. The reduction rate in retentive force was smaller for gold alloy TSC. PEEK TSC displayed greater surface roughness on the primary crown compared to the gold alloy TSC. Surface roughness slightly increased at the cervical margin after repetitive insertion and removal. The retentive force of PEEK TSC was smaller than gold alloy TSC, however the retentive force of PEEK TSC was adequate for stabilizing dental prostheses even after 10,000 cycles.