Article Type
Review
Abstract
Maxillofacial prostheses are very important for helping people with head and neck defects (caused by congenital disabilities, accidents, or cancer treatments) get better. Their goal is to restore oral function, comfort, appearance, and mental health. Since the 1960s, silicone elastomers, especially polydimethylsiloxane, have been considered the best materials because they are highly resistant to tearing and stretching, biocompatible, and naturally colour-stable, but silicone has a very short clinical lifespan because it breaks down when exposed to UV radiation, moisture, biological fluids, and mechanical stress. The main goal of reinforcement is to add fillers to silicone elastomers to strengthen and improve durability. There are two main types of reinforcement strategies: fibrous reinforcements and nanofiller reinforcements, While the incorporation of reinforcing additives successfully improves the mechanical durability and performance of silicone elastomers, no single ideal material has been identified that fully satisfies all clinical demands, particularly in accurately mimicking human tissue characteristics and ensuring long-term colour stability. Future research must enhance mechanical performance, develop reliable colour systems, and advance 3D printing technologies for silicone prosthetics to extend lifespan and improve the lifelike appearance of facial prostheses.
Keywords
Maxillofacial prosthesis, Silicone reinforcement, Nanofillers, Tear strength, Durability
Recommended Citation
AbdulHussein, Taqwa Majid and Hamad, Thekra Ismael
(2026)
"Reinforcement of Maxillofacial Silicone,"
Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences: Vol. 7:
Iss.
11, Article 27.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70080/2790-7937.1098