A Potential Application of Materials Based on a Polymer and CAD/CAM Composite Resins in Prosthetic Dentistry.

PURPOSE A bioactive high performance polymer (BioHPP) and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) composite resin materials are a relatively new class of dental biomaterials, that are biocompatible and have good aesthetic features. In this review paper, we will summarize literature and publication data on the characteristics of the mentioned materials, as well as their potential application in the dental prosthetics. STUDY SELECTION Available studies and literature reviews from PubMed, SCIndex, Scopus and Google Scholar corresponding to polyetheretherketone (PEEK), high-performance polymers, reinforced composite materials, composite materials, resins, glass-fiber reinforced materials, CAD/CAM materials, dental implants, removable and fixed dental were reviewed. RESULTS To avoid many disadvantages of metals and their alloys in dental practice, such as inadequate color, high density, thermal conductivity and possible allergic reactions, materials based on polymers (such as BioHPP), and CAD/CAM composite resins are being developed. These materials have significantly better aesthetics and physical-mechanical properties. They are biocompatible materials that are lightweight, resistant, durable, exhibit high bending and compression resistance. CONCLUSIONS The use of CAD/CAM composite resin materials and BioHPP in dentistry has begun recently, so the data about their potential clinical use are limited. Most of their features have been demonstrated through laboratory testing, while clinical studies are relatively scarce, so the need for further clinical trials is emphasized.