Image source: Ralph Riquier
This year, the range of high-performance thermoplastics was expanded to include another material: Ultraire AKP (aryl ketone polymer), Solvay Dental 360. This article provides a brief overview and classification.
Authors: Bogna Stawarczyk, Marlis Eichberger, Annett Kieschnick, Nina Lümkemann
High-performance thermoplastics have been used in prosthetic dentistry for several years. The indication areas for PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) materials are for fixed and removable dentures.
Graphical overview of high-performance thermoplastics (*PEEK: manufacturer information bredent, PEKK: manufacturer information Cendres Metaux, AKP: manufacturer information Solvay)
Due to its good resilience, AKP was developed specifically for removable partial dentures.
Clamp design for partial dentures
Very good retention stability is achieved with short, stable clamps and the elastic modulus of AKP. According to the manufacturer's recommendation, the clasps for partial dentures made of ACP should be made significantly more stable (voluminous) than usual, but shorter (Fig. 1). The reliable results have already been confirmed in a clinical study that is currently ongoing at the University of Leeds in England.
Bond strength
At the LMU Munich we dealt with bond strengths. The bond to the denture resin and veneering composite was examined in three detailed studies. In summary, it could be observed that an opaquer definitely strengthens the bond. An adhesive system should definitely be used before veneering with a composite. The results of the investigations are currently being published internationally.
The following pretreatment recommendations emerge from the investigations
Composite with PMMA denture plastic
- AKP surface at 50 µm with Al2O3, 2 bar at a 45° angle corundum blasting
- Applying pink opaquer
- Application of PMMA plastic (similar to the procedure for CoCrMo partial dentures)
Composite with veneering composites
- AKP surface at 50 µm with Al2O3, 2 bar at a 45° angle corundum blasting
- Using adhesive systems, e.g. B. visio.link (bredent) or universal adhesives such as Adhese Universal (Ivoclar Vivadent), Allbond Universal (Bisco) or Scotchbond Universal (3M)
- Applying opaquer
- Blending with composite. Veneering composites with lower viscosity (flowable) show higher bond strengths than pasty composites)
Partial dentures made of AKP. Particular attention should be paid to the design of the bracket. (Images: Ralph Riquier)