Central to the success of these prostheses is the choice of material—one that must mimic human tissue in texture, elasticity, color, and durability
Among the materials currently available, medical-grade silicones have emerged as the gold standard due to their biocompatibility, ease of manipulation, and esthetic flexibility.
However, clinical challenges persist, particularly regarding the degradation of silicone properties over time due to exposure to UV light, environmental contaminants, and repetitive mechanical stress.
The scholarly article “Silicones for Maxillofacial Prostheses and Their Modifications in Service”, published in Materials (2024), offers an in-depth exploration of the properties, performance, and aging behavior of silicone materials used in maxillofacial prosthetics.
The authors provide a critical review of how these materials respond to the demands of long-term clinical service and evaluate innovative modifications designed to enhance their mechanical strength, color stability, and resistance to microbial colonization.
Furthermore, the paper delves into recent advancements in:
✔ Nanotechnology,
✔ Cross-linking strategies, and
✔ Pigment incorporation
All aimed at optimizing silicone formulations for greater patient satisfaction and prosthetic longevity.
For dental professionals, prosthodontists, and biomedical researchers seeking to refine their material choices and enhance patient outcomes, this article offers a valuable synthesis of current evidence and emerging solutions.
👉 We invite dentists and specialists worldwide to read the full article in PDF for a comprehensive understanding of how material science continues to evolve in service of maxillofacial rehabilitation.
