Will My PEEK Jw Implants Last A Lifetime Even If Malpositioned?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I recently had custom peek jaw implants in Europe, they look great and have healed well. The only issue is that the right hand side implant was ever so slightly malpositioned, such that at the point of contact along the mandible (about half way between gonion and chin) the implant edge is raised maybe 1-2mm off the bone (such that I can feel (but not see) a little lump along the bone) 

I know jaw implants are meant to last for life (correct me if this is not a correct asumption), but is that longevity at risk if the implant is slightly malpositioned? I’m worried that if I press hard on the notch at the end, if I press hard enough the implant will snap into the 1-2mm gap toward the bone and break or the screws will be pulled out or something (eg if i got punched in the face). Can I still expect the implant to last for life?

A:Even custom jaw implants can be malpositioned, most commonly at the jaw angle region. Such malpositions do not affect the longevity of the material. PEEK is a very strong plastic material that you can not bend or break.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon