Comparative analysis of stress distribution around CFR‑PEEK implants and titanium implants with different prosthetic crowns: A finite element analysis

Background Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a new material that was introduced for the fabrication of implants and their superstructure along with other available materials. It is not yet known whether the carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR‑PEEK) material can be used as an implant and its superstructure in place of titanium (Ti). Objectives The study evaluated stress distribution around CFR‑PEEK implants and Ti implants with 5 different prosthetic crowns. Material and methods A three-dimensional (3D) model of a bone block was created to represent the right maxillary premolar area with a bone-level implant system with 100% osseointegration, using the Ansys Workbench software, v. 15.0. In total, 10 3D finite element analysis (FEA) models were created. The models were divided into 2 groups according to the type of implant: the CFR‑PEEK group (n = 5); and the Ti group (n = 5). Each group was subdivided to imitate 5 different restorative crown materials (PEEK, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), metal, and acrylic resin). Each implant model was loaded vertically (200 N) and obliquely (100 N). Stress distribution in the implants, the abutments, the cement layers, and the crowns was evaluated using the von Mises stress analysis. Maximum and minimum principal stress analyses were used to determine the stress generated in the bone. Results The CFR‑PEEK implants bore more stress in vertical and oblique loading as compared to the Ti implants. The stress generated in the bone with the CFR‑PEEK implants was similar to that generated with the Ti implants under vertical loading. Under oblique loading, less stress was transferred to the bone with the CFR‑PEEK implants as compared to the Ti implants, showing better adaptation of the CFR‑PEEK implants to lateral stress. Conclusions In this FEA study, the amount of stress generated within the bone in the case of the CFR‑PEEK implants with different restorative crowns was smaller in comparison with the Ti implants in oblique loading. This could help reduce lateral stress on implants as well as crestal bone loss.