Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Cantilever Protocol Bars in Acrylated Polyetheretherketone (Peek): A Mechanical Compression Assay

Manuel Maria Otazu Aquino, Simone Kreve, Geraldo Alberto Pinheiro de Carvalho, Elimário Venturin Ramos, Aline Batista Gonçalves Franco, Sérgio Candido Dias

Aim and Objective: To assess the mechanical behavior of acrylated protocol bars made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in different designs. Materials and Methods: Using the CAD/CAM, 3 types of bars were designed. Eighteen bars went through a milling cut process, being 6 of each type, and then acrylated. The bars were screwed to the prosthetics pillars of the matrix and submitted to the mechanical compression assay. The resistance data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test. Results: The modified T-type bar showed significantly higher resistance to compression at the left cantilever, whereas the squared bars were significantly more resistant at the right. There was no significant difference amongst the three designs when the load was applied at the Centre. Conclusion: All three designs showed similar behavior to the compression load applied at the Centre.