Impact of Milled Peek versus Conventional Chrome Cobalt Framework on Retention of Definitive Obturators for Unilateral Total Maxillectomy Patients

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of milled peek versus conventional chrome cobalt framework on the retention of definitive obturators for unilateral total maxillectomy patients. Subjects & Methods: A total of ten male patients with a unilaterally acquired maxillary defect were selected from the prosthodontics department's outpatient clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Sinai University (Kantara branch). Patients were divided into two equal groups: Group I received a definitive obturator with a milled-peek framework, and Group II received a definitive obturator with a cobalt-chromium framework. Retention force was recorded at the time of insertion (T0), three months (T3), and six months (T6) later. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: No significant difference was recorded between the two groups in initial retention forces (T0). However, a significant difference was observed between the groups at T3 and T6. Group I (PEEK) was associated with a significantly higher retention loss than Group II (metal). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that: For definitive obturators, this retention force is acceptable regardless of PEEK's and Co-Cr's differences. When the obturator engages the same undercut, the chrome-cobalt framework outperforms the PEEK framework in terms of retention force.