Analysis of Color and Hardness of a Medical Silicone with Extrinsic Pigmentation after Accelerated Aging

A Systematic Review on Maxillofacial Prosthesis with Respect to Their Color Stability

The aim of this systematic review was to identify and analyze the findings of various studies that analyzed the changes in the color stability of maxillofacial prosthetic materials after the addition of various colorants and nanoparticles and assess the change in color after being subjected to either natural or artificial accelerated aging as well as outdoor aging. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of transparent reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA Statement). The primary objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the color stability of maxillofacial prosthesis. The secondary objective was to assess the effect of various colorants; pigments; opacifiers; UV absorbers-such as inorganic colorants (dry earth pigments); metal oxides; and organic colorants. The time period of the included studies extended from 2013 to 2023. Electronic database search identified a total of 217 studies. Ten studies were included to meet the research question. All 10 included studies analyzed the effect of various colorants and their exposure to various aging and weathering conditions. It was found that various pigments and nanoparticles had an effect on the color stability. Also weathering and aging conditions had a direct effect on the color stability as well. In terms of disinfection, although there was not much color difference observed, highest change in color stability was observed when rubbing or brushing of the prosthesis was carried out. In conclusion, the color stability of maxillofacial prosthetics is a critical factor that influences both patient satisfaction and the overall cosmetic look. The potential of pigments and nanoparticles to enhance the color stability of silicone-based maxillofacial prosthesis has received much research. By avoiding color fading and discoloration brought on by environmental variables including UV radiation, aging, and chemical exposure, the inclusion of various pigments and nanoparticles has been demonstrated to improve the color stability of silicone maxillofacial prostheses.

Effect of Extrinsic Pigmentation on Dimensional Stability, Hardness, Detail Reproduction, and Color of a Silicone

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of extrinsic pigmentation on the dimensional stability, hardness, detail reproduction, and color of a silicone after thermocycling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Sixty samples of MDX4-4210 silicone (Dow Corning Corporation Medical Products) with intrinsic pink pigment (H-109-P, Factor II) and intrinsic opacifier (TiO) were fabricated. Two groups were created: Group 1-only intrinsic pigmentation (H-109P, Factor II + TiO) (Control); and Group 2-intrinsic (H-109P, Factor II + TiO) and extrinsic (Tan FE - 215, Factor II) pigmentation. The following tests were performed for each group: dimensional stability, Shore A hardness, detail reproduction, and color. Readings for the tests were taken before and after thermocycling (2,000 cycles). For dimensional stability and hardness, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. One-way ANOVA was used for the color test. In case of significant statistical difference, the Tukey test was applied (p <0.05). All samples achieved the same detail reproduction score, therefore, no statistical evaluation was performed.

RESULTS

 For the dimensional stability test, comparing the initial time with the final time, there was a significant contraction in both groups after thermocycling. For the hardness test, comparing the time points, only group 1 showed a significant reduction in hardness after thermocycling. Groups 1 and 2 scored 2 for the detail reproduction test, before and after thermocycling. Comparing group 1 with group 2, there was no significant difference for color change.

CONCLUSION

 Based on the tests performed, extrinsic pigmentation did not show a negative effect on silicone, and therefore it can be indicated. The results of the dimensional, hardness, detail reproduction and color evaluations of the MDX4-4210 silicone were clinically acceptable in all cases in the groups with and without extrinsic pigmentation.

Rehabilitation of a Midfacial Defect Using a Two-Piece Maxillofacial Prosthesis: A Case Report

Maxillofacial defects and their rehabilitation are a major concern in this socially productive era. The rehabilitation of these massive defects in the oral and maxillofacial region poses a challenge to the prosthodontist in terms of selection of material, retentive aids, the adaptive capability of the patient, and cost. This case report describes the management of the midfacial defect involving the orbit, zygoma, maxilla, and their soft tissue counterparts with a removable silicone extraoral compartment and an acrylic intraoral compartment, which are retained with strong cobalt samarium magnets, an elastic loop around the occiput, and spectacles. The maxillofacial prosthesis fabricated for this patient restored the patient’s facial esthetics, speech, dental articulation, lip support, mastication, and anterior maxillary seal.

Effect of Accelerated Aging on the Sorption and Solubility Percentages of Silicone Facial Prostheses

Objective  This study aimed to evaluate the effect of accelerated aging on the sorption and solubility percentages of the MDX4-4210 and A-2186 silicones.

Materials and Methods  Two silicones (A-2186 and MDX4-4210) and three intrinsic pigments (bronze, black, and pink) were used in this study. Thus, six groups were created ( n = 10): Group 1 = bronze MDX4-4210; Group 2 = black MDX4-4210; Group 3 = pink MDX4-4210; Group 4 = bronze A-2186; Group 5 = black A-2186; and Group 6 = pink A-2186. The dimensions of all samples were the same (45-mm diameter (ø) × 1-mm thickness). The samples were aged for a total of 1,008 hours. In this period of 1,008 hours of accelerated aging, the sorption and solubility percentages of each sample were calculated at three time points (252, 504, and 1,008 hours).

Statistical Analysis  Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test were performed (α = 0.05).

Result  Accelerated aging can significantly increase the sorption and solubility percentages of the MDX4-4210 and A-2186 silicones.