Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers in Dentistry

Abstract

Maxillofacial prostheses are used for patients with deformities in the maxillofacial area induced by cancer, trauma or congenital defects. Different types of polymers are used in the manufacture of maxillofacial prosthesis. However, silicone elastomers are the polymers most commonly used in the maxillofacial prosthodontics because of their acceptable properties. Since maxillofacial defects create profound psychological and social difficulties in these patients, recent research focused on improving the mechanical and physical properties of silicone elastomers by using various incorporations of nano-oxide particles into the silicones. Nevertheless, the use of conventional techniques in the manufacture of maxillofacial silicones still consumes a lot of time. Silicone prostheses manufactured conventionally are also still susceptible to color degradation and change in the mechanical properties. Thus, the three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques of the maxillofacial prosthesis and the development of the printable maxillofacial prosthetic materials are of great interest. This chapter aims to analyze the novel approaches in maxillofacial prosthodontic materials, especially silicone elastomers, and recent advances in 3D printing technologies in the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses.