Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): A resin material for possible use in dental prostheses and devices

Abstract

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is chemically stable, non-toxic to humans, highly resistant to heat and chemicals, and has an extremely low coefficient of friction. Therefore, PTFE is used in medical applications. We focused on the physical properties of PTFE in relation to its application as a material for use in prostheses and dental devices/instruments. PTFE exhibited low wear (approximately 1/3 that of bovine tooth, and 1/2 that of type III gold alloy), low dynamic friction (approximately 1/5 that of the other specimens), low hardness (4.8HV1.0), low coloration, and low bacterial adhesion, compared to other specimens except porcelain in wear and coloration test (p<0.01). These results suggest that PTFE could have applications in some prostheses for provisional and/or permanent use, and dental instruments/devices by providing excellent impact absorption, high wear resistance for maintenance of occlusal vertical dimension and original function, and ease of cleaning.