PEEK: A Futuristic Dental Material in Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material is a biocompatible polycyclic, aromatic, thermoplastic polymer having good mechanical and thermal properties. A retrospective literature search was conducted via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar for the articles published in the past ten years using the MeSH terms ‘polyetheretherkethone’, ‘PEEK’, ‘dentistry’, ‘dental’,’ pediatric dentistry’. The relevant articles were identified, screened and shortlisted. The screened articles were summarized. This review provides an insight into the properties and application of PEEK in pediatric dentistry. PEEK has a characteristic low elasticity modulus similar to that of bone that can enable its use as fixed and removable pediatric dental appliances in interceptive orthodontic and obturators. Additionally, PEEK can be used as a substitute for metals and other materials owing to its non-allergic properties and acceptable aesthetics.