Wear behavior of materials for fixed dental prostheses

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Tribology

Background:

• Dental prostheses require materials with excellent wear resistance to ensure longevity and function.
• Understanding the tribological properties of various dental materials is crucial for preventing occlusal wear and maintaining oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the wear behavior of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) composite resins, polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), gold alloys, titanium, and zirconia.
• To assess material degradation and antagonist wear under standardized laboratory conditions.

Main Methods:

• Two-body wear tests were performed using an abrasion-testing machine with stainless-steel antagonists under wet conditions.
• Wear depth and antagonist wear (wear height) were measured.
• Materials included three CAD/CAM composite resins (HC, HCH, CS), PEEK (SPE), Ag-Pd-Au alloys (CW), pure titanium (TJ), and zirconia (ZL).

Main Results:

• Zirconia (ZL) exhibited the lowest wear depth, while CS and titanium (TJ) showed significantly greater wear depths.
• PEEK (SPE) and gold alloys (CW) demonstrated comparable wear behavior.
• Titanium (TJ) caused the most significant antagonist wear, whereas PEEK (SPE) resulted in the least antagonist wear.

Conclusions:

• PEEK and gold alloys offer comparable wear resistance for dental prostheses.
• CAD/CAM composite resin wear rates vary, influenced by filler composition and morphology.
• Titanium's high antagonist wear necessitates material modification or careful consideration in fixed prostheses to prevent excessive wear and preserve occlusion.