Comparative Analysis of Flexural Strength between Heat Polymerized PMMA, Injectable Flexible Nylon-Based Resin, and CAD/CAM (PEEK) Denture Base Materials: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the flexural strength of Heat Polymerized PMMA, Injectable Flexible Nylon-Based Resin, and CAD/CAM Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) denture base materials. A total of 36 rectangular samples with dimensions of (64mm x 10 mm x 3.3mm) were fabricated from Heat Polymerized PMMA, Injectable Flexible Nylon-Based Resin, and CAD/CAM (PEEK). These samples were divided into three groups of 12 samples. The three-point flexural strength test was carried out using a universal testing machine. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. The flexural strength of CAD/CAM (PEEK) (137.92 ± 8.92555 MPa) was the highest, followed by Heat Polymerized Acrylic Resin (75.162 ± 9.40870 MPa), and the lowest was for Injectable Flexible Nylon-Based Resin (54.01 ± 20.29325 MPa). Considering the study’s limitations, CAD/CAM PEEK showed the highest flexural strength, followed by heat-polymerized PMMA, while injectable flexible nylon-based resin exhibited the lowest strength. These findings suggest that PEEK may provide more durable and reliable denture bases, potentially improving prosthesis longevity and patient satisfaction