To evaluate and rank surface treatments for bonding resin composites to polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in dental applications using network meta-analysis. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PRISMA extension for network meta-analyses (registered: OSF https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JGRDE ), the research question was structured using the PICOS framework. Eligible studies were in vitro, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, with no date restriction. Exclusion criteria included non-dental use of PEEK, absence of surface treatment, lack of control group, use of cleaning methods affecting adhesion, bond strength assessed only after aging, bond strength not tested between PEEK and resin composite, and results not expressed in MPa. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoBDEMAT tool. Data were pooled from studies using comparable surface treatments with different parameters. Nine databases (MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, BBO, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and institutional repositories) were searched up to February 2025. Study selection: A total of 1809 records were screened, leading to 14 included studies published between 2013 and 2024, evaluating 18 surface treatment protocols comprising 1186 observations. Sulfuric acid combined with manufacturer-recommended bonding agents (P-score: 0.97) was the most effective protocol for enhancing bond strength between PEEK and resin composites, followed by laser treatment with adhesive. Most studies presented moderate risk of bias. Surface treatments require adhesive application to achieve optimal bonding performance. • First network meta-analysis ranking PEEK surface treatments for resin bonding. • Sulfuric acid with visio.link achieved highest bond strength (P-score: 0.97). • Surface treatments require adhesive application for optimal PEEK bonding. • Laser and sandblasting with adhesives offer safer chairside alternatives. • Clinical validation studies needed to confirm in vitro rankings.
Vitti et al. (Fri,) studied this question.