Digital wear analysis and retention of poly-ether-ether-ketone retentive inserts versus conventional nylon inserts in locator retained mandibular overdentures: in-vitro study

Objective this study aimed to digitally compare wear behavior and retention between PEEK and nylon retentive inserts used in locator-retained, mandibular implant overdentures when attachment design and size were standardized. Materials and methods A total of sixty-four inserts (32 PEEK and 32 nylon inserts); were picked-up in implant overdentures. Overdentures of both groups were submerged in artificial saliva and mounted to chewing simulator. After 480,000 chewing cycles (equivalent to 2 years of clinical use) all inserts were scanned by scanning electron microscope (SEM), then all acquired images were digitally analyzed by software to detect and compare quantitative and qualitative changes of inserts in both groups. On the other hand, retention of both groups was measured by universal testing machine and the collected data was statistically analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test with significance level set at P ≤ 0.05. Results PEEK inserts showed significantly higher mean retentive values compared to the nylon inserts in the control group. Also, PEEK retentive inserts exhibited statistically lower mean wear values than the control group P ≥ 0.000. Qualitative investigation revealed significant and more pronounced changes in the surface roughness of nylon inserts compared to PEEK ones. Conclusions Regarding retention, wear behavior and dimension stability, PEEK can be recommended as retentive insert material in cases of locator-retained mandibular implant overdentures. Clinical relevance PEEK inserts offer enhanced retention, reduced wear, and greater dimensional stability over two years time interval. Clinically, this reduces prosthodontic maintenance and adjustments, improving patient satisfaction and long-term prosthetic success.