An In-vitro Evaluation of Retention Force of All PEEK, All Zirconia and Zirconia–PEEK Telescopic Attachment for Mandibular Overdentures

A BSTRACT The objective of this study is to compare retention capacity of mandibular implant-supported overdenture with all zirconia, zirconia–PEEK, and all PEEK telescopic attachments. Sixty acrylic resin models of mandible were used. Telescopic attachment system was made up of all zirconia, all PEEK, and zirconia–PEEK. Evaluation of retention force was done using universal testing machine. Obtained data were statistically evaluated. Highest initial force value was obtained with zirconia–PEEK group. All PEEK and zirconia–PEEK groups showed significantly decreased final retention values in comparison to their initial values. Zirconia can be regarded as the material of choice for telescopic crown, whereas polyetheretherketone and zirconia–PEEK telescopic crowns showed retention loss over a period of time.