Comparative evaluation of esthetic and physical properties of CAD/CAM PEEK oral space maintainers

Premature loss of deciduous teeth often causes malocclusion and misalignment, requiring orthodontic treatment. Oral space maintainers (OSMs) help preserve space after primary teeth loss but are commonly metal, with limitations like esthetics, metal allergies, and complex production. This study aims to find an alternative by evaluating the esthetic and physical properties of CAD/CAM-produced PEEK OSMs compared to conventional OSMs. Forty digital oral space maintainer specimens were fabricated from Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), PEEK composites, LuxaCrown, and cobalt-chromium alloy, with 10 specimens in each group. Esthetic evaluation was conducted using a standard shade guide, and marginal fit was assessed with a stereo-microscope. Shear bond strength was tested on resins for primary and permanent molars. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. LuxaCrown matched natural tooth color best, followed by PEEK composites and PEEK, with cobalt-chromium showing the least similarity. LuxaCrown had the highest esthetic values, while PEEK and its composites showed acceptable marginal fits. Cobalt-chromium exhibited the highest shear bond strength. While PEEK has lower shear bond strength than cobalt-chromium, it shows promise as an esthetic alternative for pediatric space maintainers with acceptable fit. Further studies are needed to assess its long-term performance.