Effects of Chemical and Herbal Disinfection Methods on the Color Stability of Maxillofacial Silicone: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillofacial prostheses used in rehabilitation of patients are fabricated with medical grade silicone and are tinted corresponding to the patients natural skin color. However, exposure to environment and disinfectants can affect the color stability. Due to rising microorganism resistance and fewer adverse effects of chemical agents, phytoextracts appear to be a viable option. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different disinfection methods one containing the leaf extracts of Mangifera indica (M. indica) and another containing 2% chlorhexidine solution on the color stability of precolored and hand-colored maxillofacial silicones. Material and Methods: Twenty specimens each of precolored and hand-colored silicone were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and cleansed with two different disinfection methods. Disinfection was carried out six times/day for 60 days, simulating once-a-day disinfection for a year. Color evaluation was carried out at day 0 and day 60 using a UV-vis spectrophotometer. Color alterations were calculated by the CIE L*a*b* system. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD and t-tests (α = 0.05). Result and Conclusion: In our study, 2% chlorhexidine solution resulted in the higher color change as compared to M.indica extract. Precolored silicone showed higher color stability than its hand-colored counterpart.

Keywords

• color stability
• maxillofacial prosthesis
• silicone