Analysis of the properties of commercially available silicone elastomers for maxillofacial prostheses

Abstract

 Aim - Maxillofacial prosthetic materials are used to replace facial parts lost through disease or trauma. Silicone rubbers are the materials of choice. The aim of this study was to assess the properties of three new silicone rubber maxillofacial materials. Methods- Specimens of three commercially available maxillofacial materials were prepared in dental flasks according to manufacturers’ instructions. Tear strength, tensile strength, percentage elongation, hardness and water absorption were determined for each material. Result- Cosmesil high compliance had significantly higher tear strength than other materials and tensile strength was also higher than the other materials but not statistically significant. Hardness and percentage elongation were almost same for all the materials. Prestige elastomer had higher water absorption than the other two materials, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion- None of the commercially available silicone rubber materials possessed ideal properties for use as a maxillofacial prosthetic material but within the limitations of present study, Cosmesil high compliance shows more favourable properties among the three materials. Key words- silicone rubber, maxillofacial prosthesis, mechanical properties,tear strength, hardness, water absorption