5 FAQs About High-Performance Polymers

About 10 years ago, we saw a shift to hybrid-type restorations on multiple implants thanks to All-on-4^®. About five years ago, I switched from full-arch, titanium-supported, heat-processed restorations to full-arch, screw-retained hybrid zirconia and quickly realized that it results in a beautiful—albeit very delicate—restoration. 

After dozens of fractures and hours of work wasted, I started investigating the use of high-performance polymers (HPPs) and found them to be a strong, beautiful alternative to titanium bars and zirconia hybrid restorations. Like many of my colleagues, I expect we’ll see increasing indications for these materials; in fact, some technicians have told me HPPs may help them eliminate alloys entirely. 

Here are some of the questions I’m asked most frequently about these materials:

Q. I’ve heard of PAEK, PEEK and PEKK; what’s the difference?

A....