Next Generation Smile Solutions—PEEK Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract

The restoration of primary teeth with extensive coronal destruction remains a clinical challenge in pediatric dentistry, requiring materials that combine durability, biocompatibility, and acceptable esthetics. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has recently emerged as a promising material for pediatric full-coverage restorations due to its favorable mechanical and biological properties. PEEK is a high-performance, semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer characterized by high fracture resistance, low elastic modulus comparable to dentin, excellent wear resistance, and chemical stability. Its inherent biocompatibility and low plaque affinity make it suitable for use in the pediatric oral environment.

In pediatric dentistry, PEEK crowns—fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology—offer an alternative to conventional stainless steel crowns, preveneered crowns, and zirconia crowns. They provide improved esthetics over metal crowns while being less abrasive to opposing teeth compared with zirconia. Additionally, the lightweight nature of PEEK and its shock-absorbing capacity may reduce stress transmission to the underlying tooth structure.

Although current evidence on the clinical performance of PEEK crowns in children is limited, preliminary in vitro and short-term clinical reports suggest satisfactory marginal adaptation, adequate retention, and favorable patient and parental acceptance. This abstract highlights the material properties, clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of PEEK crowns in pediatric dentistry, emphasizing the need for well-designed long-term clinical trials to establish their efficacy and durability in primary and young permanent teeth.