Fracture Load of Partially Palatal Covered Maxillary Implant Overdentures Denture Base Reinforced by PEEK Framework Versus Nanoparticle Reinforcement

An In vitro Study

Abstract

Statement of Problem: The biomechanical nature of maxillary implant over denture causing extreme leverage on the implants, to overcome this problem necessitates complete coverage of palate. However, there are obligations requiring partial palatal coverage design with subsequent more liability of denture base fracture.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare fracture load tolerated by denture base of partially palatal coverage maxillary overdentures (PMOI) retained by 4 parallel implants using reinforcement framework of Poly ether-ether ketone (PEEK) versus denture base reinforced by nano-particles composite made off zirconium dioxide(Z) and PEEK(P).
Materials and Methods: Four implants were inserted in completely edentulous epoxy resin maxillary model in canine and second molar region with addition of mucosal simulation. The model was duplicated into 15 stone casts on which15 experimental partially palatal covered maxillary overdentures (PMOI) were retained over implants using locator attachments (Light retention). The dentures were divided into 3 groups (5PMOI\each group) that were; group I (G1) having printed acrylic denture base; group II (G2) printed denture base treated with 1.5% by weight (wt.) Z and1.5% by wt. P composite nanoparticles. group III (G3) printed denture base reinforced with P framework and the fracture load tolerated by three different PMOI base materials were evaluated using universal testing machine. The collected data were statistically analysed.
Results: The mean value of fracture load of PMOI denture base reinforced with peek framework was the highest followed by that treated by nano-particles; while denture base of G1 tolerated the least fracture load.
Conclusion: Within limitations of this study, PMOI denture base treated with nano-particles tolerated fracture loads comparable to that reinforced by peek framework.