Chewing with Co-Cr or PEEK denture frameworks: A randomized crossover clinical study

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are crucial for restoring function in patients with partial edentulism.
• Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are common materials for RPD frameworks, each with distinct properties.
• Comparative data on masticatory function and patient satisfaction between Co-Cr and PEEK frameworks are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare masticatory performance and patient satisfaction between RPDs with cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) and injected polyetheretherketone (PEEK) frameworks.
• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of PEEK versus Co-Cr frameworks in RPDs.

Main Methods:

• A crossover study design involving 12 volunteers with Kennedy Class I mandibular edentulism.
• Masticatory performance was assessed using sieve analysis (X50) and maximum bite force (MBF).
• Patient satisfaction was measured using a visual analog scale, with data analyzed via independent-samples t-tests.

Main Results:

• RPDs with Co-Cr frameworks showed significantly better masticatory performance (lower X50 values) than PEEK frameworks (p=0.007).
• Patient satisfaction regarding prosthesis stability (p=0.02) and chewing ability (p<0.001) was significantly higher with Co-Cr RPDs.
• Maximum bite force did not significantly differ between the two framework types.

Conclusions:

• Injected PEEK frameworks for RPDs were associated with reduced masticatory performance compared to Co-Cr frameworks.
• Patient satisfaction with RPDs was lower when using PEEK frameworks relative to Co-Cr.
• Co-Cr frameworks appear to be a more favorable choice for RPDs concerning function and patient acceptance.