PEEK polymer in orthodontics: a scoping review

Aim The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the application of polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) in orthodontics. Methods Search strategies were executed for electronic databases through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Opengrey, Embase, Cochrane Library and records identified through hand or electronic search. The keywords used were: "PEEK" OR "Polyether-ether-ketone" AND "orthodontics". The period selected of article publication was from January 2015 to June 2021. Results Sixty-nine articles were found. After removing duplicates, 35 papers were analysed and only 11 full text were assessed for eligibility. Nine studies were included in its qualitative synthesis. Conclusions Due to excellent physical, mechanical, aesthetic properties and biocompatibility, its low plaque affinity and flexural modulus close to enamel and dentin, PEEK can be used also in orthodontics. However, more clinical research should be done to find out all the advantages and disadvantages of this material.