PEEK-OPTIMA® polymer chosen for healing abutment caps

Lifecore Biomedical of Chaska, Minnesota, USA, selected PEEK-OPTIMA® polymer a high-performance biocompatible polyaryetherketone from Invibio limited to improve the healing cap component of its Cement-on Crown (COC) Abutment systems, replacing titanium.

According to Michael Klardie, Manager of Implant Technology of Lifecore, "We chose PEEK-OPTIMA because of its biocompatibility and excellent compressive strength, and because it provides the closest match to the colour of natural dentition."

PEEK-OPTIMA polymer has undergone extensive biocompatibility and biostability testing to assure its suitability for implantable devices. Long-term implantation studies have been completed for PEEK-OPTIMA polymer and documentation, including ISO 10993 and USP Class VI, is contained in detailed Master Files at the FDA. These include Device Master Files (MAF) and Drug Master Files (DMF).

After completion of soft tissue healing and full integration of bone and dental implant, a load-bearing cement-on-crown (COC) abutment is attached to the implant and an impression is made of the implant-abutment assembly for construction of the prosthetic crown. Pending completion of the finished crown, the exposed abutment and implant margin are protected by covering with a healing cap.

Healing caps made of PEEK-OPTIMA® polymer protect the margins and provide the added benefit of affording a non-metallic, neutral colour similar to natural dentition.

Compressive strength was a very important factor when choosing a polymer to replace the titanium. "When a patient is chewing food," explains Michael Callahan, President of Invibio, Inc., "The compressive strength of the cap is critical because this is what is acting as the tooth.

As the top of the cap, where the chewing occurs, is a very thin wall section, there is naturally a concern about adequate compressive strength.

PEEK-OPTIMA polymer was selected partly on the basis that it is superior to other polymers in maintaining compressive loads in these kinds of thin wall sections ".

Another reason for choosing PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is that it is compatible with the cement to bond the cap to the titanium abutment. It is important that the cemented bond is not permanent. It is essential that the cap does not come off while in use, but equally it is important that the dentist can remove it when necessary. The nature of the cemented joint between titanium and

PEEK-OPTIMA polymer allows this to happen.

Invibio offers a 'no-change' agreement for this polymer.

The agreement guarantees the specification of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer over an extended period of time as agreed with the device manufacturer.

PEEK-OPTIMA polymer exhibits a superior combination of strength, stiffness and toughness which, together with its biocompatibility, makes it ideally suited for intra-body medical devices. Moreover, because the material can be processed through either injection molding, extrusion or by machining, it allows OEMs greater design and manufacturing flexibility than is the case with alternative materials.

Reader enquiries

Invibio Ltd
Technology Centre
Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4QD
United Kingdom
+44 1253 866812
info@​invibio.com
www.invibio.com

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Notes for editors

Invibio™ is the sole manufacturer and supplier of PEEK-OPTIMA® polymer. Further information on PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is available from: Invibio Ltd, Technology Centre, Hillhouse International, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 4QD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1253 897700, Fax: +44 1253 897781.

Also at: www.invibio.com.

Invibio provides biomaterial solutions for the implantable medical device market. PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is produced at its headquarters and manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom. With offices also in the USA and Europe it is the sole world-wide manufacturer and distributor of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer, an advanced biomaterial suitable for long term implantation.

For more information on the properties and performance advantages of

PEEK-OPTIMA polymer, please call +44 (0) 1253 866812 or visit the company’s website at www.invibio.com.

Invibio Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Victrex plc.