Influence of Denture-Base Polymer on the Biomechanical Response of Maxillary and Mandibular Complete Dentures: A Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the biomechanical response of maxillary and mandibular complete dentures with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) denture bases using patient-specific finite element analysis. Methods: Patient-specific models were reconstructed from cone-beam computed tomography data. PMMA and PEEK denture bases were analyzed under identical contact conditions and a 100 N bilateral posterior vertical load. Von Mises stresses and denture–mucosa contact responses were evaluated. Results: In the maxilla, PEEK reduced peak stress in the denture base, artificial teeth, and cortical bone by 18.1%, 32.0%, and 4.4%, respectively. In the mandible, PEEK reduced artificial-tooth stress by 30.0% but increased denturebase stress by 6.3%. Supporting-tissue stresses changed by less than 1% in both arches. Conclusions: PEEK primarily modified stress distribution within the prosthesis rather than load transmission to supporting tissues. The maxillary and mandibular dentures responded differently, suggesting that the biomechanical response to material substitution is arch-dependent. The results do not support the uniform biomechanical superiority of PEEK as compared to PMMA. Clinical Relevance: PEEK may be considered an alternative denture-base polymer, although material selection should account for arch-specific anatomical and prosthetic factors