Comparative analysis of the surface topography of thermoplastic and acrylic dental materials using scanning electron microscopy: a nonrandomized controlled laboratory study

BACKGROUND: Surface-quality control of dental materials used in prosthodontics remains essential because reducing alterations in the microtopography of prosthetic components lowers microbial adhesion in the oral cavity and helps prevent inflammatory conditions.

AIM: This work aimed to assess the surface quality of thermoplastic and acrylic polymer materials after final polishing and to compare their microlevel characteristics using scanning electron microscopy.

METHODS: The study was conducted at First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University. Four contemporary polymer materials (4 samples per material) were evaluated after standardized surface polishing. A Tescan Vega 3 SBU scanning electron microscope (Tescan, Czech Republic) equipped with an Inca X-act energy-dispersive spectrometer (Oxford Instruments, United Kingdom) was used. In addition, a visual macro-assessment of the sample surfaces was performed.

RESULTS: The thermoplastic polyetheretherketone material Dentokeep PEEK (PEEKCHINA, China) demonstrated the fewest surface defects, including minimal roughness and particulate inclusions, particularly in polished samples. Acrylic polymers exhibited the highest defect density, with pronounced roughness and delamination of the superficial layer.

CONCLUSION: Taking into account their favorable microtopographic characteristics, polished thermoplastic materials, especially polyetheretherketone, may be recommended for prioritized use in clinical prosthodontics, in contrast to acrylic polymers.