Evonik adds stiffer Vestakeep PEEK dental grades

Evonik has introduced two new polyether ether ketone (PEEK) grades for use in long-term dental prosthetics. Developed by the company's High Performance Polymers business line, Vestakeep DC4760 and Vestakeep DC4780 combine bone-like stiffness with durability, biocompatibility and processability in dental laboratories. The materials extend Evonik's portfolio of metal-free, lightweight options for dental applications.

"The launch of these two new Vestakeep grades are in line with Evonik’s strategy to serve a growing consumer interest in a greater range of metal-free materials for manufacturing dental bridges or long-lasting fixed and removable prosthetic restorations," said Marc Knebel, head of the PEEK medical applications team at Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line. "Thanks to their natural color, neutral taste and lightweight properties, PEEK-based dental frameworks are greatly valued by patients looking for an alternative to metal-alloy based materials."

Stiffness for high-load prosthetics

The new grades join the existing range of Vestakeep products for dental applications. They are based on a patented formulation intended to provide high structural rigidity. This property was assessed in an independent study published in Dental Materials. The analysis was conducted by members of Charité University Medicine Berlin and the Einstein Center Digital Future research group. According to the study, Vestakeep DC4760 and Vestakeep DC4780 provide sufficient stiffness for implant-supported dentures and other dental prosthetics exposed to high loads.

"The key feature of these new Vestakeep dental grades is their combination of higher stiffness and their ability to maintain the flexural strength expected for long-term dental prostheses. Thanks to this, Vestakeep can now be used for a broader range of high quality, aesthetic & long-lasting multi-unit frameworks that provide elevated patient comfort," said Jacques-Antoine Raust, Business Manager in Evonik’s Medical Systems team.

Processing and material properties

Both Vestakeep DC4760 and Vestakeep DC4780 offer high polishability and can be machined using established dental laboratory equipment. This is intended to facilitate their integration into the daily work of dental laboratory technicians and dentists. The grades also retain the wear resistance and resistance to plaque accumulation established for previous dental grades, supporting hygiene, durability and aesthetics.

According to Evonik, the increased stiffness also improves modulus matching between acrylic veneers and PEEK. This may increase the service life of dentures by improving the mechanical compatibility of the combined materials.

Vestakeep DC4760 is a dentine-coloured PEEK, while Vestakeep DC4780 is a gingiva-coloured PEEK. Both are available as rods or CAD/CAM discs and are biocompatible for long-term contact with mucous membranes. Evonik will also provide customers with regulatory support for their own registration under the Medical Device Regulation.

Evonik's experts will present the company's latest solutions for medical applications at Compamed from 16 to 19 November in Düsseldorf, Germany, in Hall 8B at stand D04.