Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of chemical disinfection methods on the color stability of maxillofacial silicone. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted in the PubMed and CAPES databases, using the descriptors "Maxillofacial Prosthesis", "Silicone", "Color Stability", and "Disinfection", including publications from the last six years (2020-2025). After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six in vitro studies were selected for analysis. Results: The results showed that neutral and antibacterial soap caused greater color degradation of the silicone material, while 2% chlorhexidine presented a better balance between antimicrobial efficacy and color stability. Phytotherapeutic agents, such as Thymus vulgaris and Mangifera indica, showed promise due to their antioxidant and biocompatible properties, reducing pigment degradation. In addition, the incorporation of nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide and silver, increased the material's resistance to discoloration. Final considerations: It is concluded that the choice of disinfection method is essential for the color stability of silicone prostheses, and in vivo clinical studies are needed to support standardized and safe protocols for the prolonged use of maxillofacial prostheses.
References
CABRAL LM, et al. Effect of different disinfectants on color stability and surface roughness of maxillofacial silicone elastomer: an in vitro study. Brazilian Dental Science, 2018; 21(4): 97–104.
CAXIAS FP, et al. Classification, history, and future prospects of maxillofacial prosthesis. International Journal of Dentistry, 2019; 2019: 1–8.
CEVIK P. Coloring effects of disinfectants on pure or nano-TiO₂-incorporated maxillofacial silicone prostheses. Materials, 2023; 16(16): 5580.
CHAMARIA A, et al Effect of chemical disinfectants on the color stability of maxillofacial silicones: an in vitro study. Journal of Prosthodontics, 2019; 28(8): e869–e872.
CHODANKAR RN, et al. Evaluation of Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentale leaf extracts and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate on disinfection of maxillofacial silicone material surface contaminated with microorganisms – an in vitro study. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 2024; 14: 301–306.
CHOTPRASERT N et al. Effects of disinfection methods on the color stability of precolored and hand-colored maxillofacial silicone: an in vitro study. International Journal of Biomaterials, 2022; 2022: 1–5.
CHUGH A, et al. Custom ocular prosthesis with intraoral obturator for orbital and intraoral defects resulting from mucormycosis: a technical case report. Cureus, 2024; 16(7): e73579.
CRUZ RLJ, et al. Advancements in soft-tissue prosthetics Part B: the chemistry of imitating life. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2020; 8: 147.
DOGHISH AS, et al. Thymus vulgaris oil nanoemulsion: synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Molecules, 2023; 28(19): 6910.
GRADINARI U, et al. Silicones for maxillofacial prostheses and their modifications in service. Materials, 2024; 17(13): 3297.
HADDAD MF, et al. Influence of nano-oxide fillers on the color stability and mechanical properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomers. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 2011; 19(6): 619–625.
KANODIA S, et al. Effect of chemical disinfectants on the color stability of maxillofacial silicone material – in vitro study. African Journal of Biomedical Research, 2024; 27(3S): 2478–2483.
PATHAK V, et al. The effect of chemical disinfectants on maxillofacial silicone with the addition of silver nanoparticles: an original research. Cureus, 2024; 16(8): e66484.
PETER M, et al. An in vitro comparative evaluation of conventional and novel Thymus vulgaris-derived herbal disinfectant solutions against pathogenic biofilm on maxillofacial silicones and its impact on color stability. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 2023; 24(12): 967–973.
SRIVASTAVA H, et al. Effects of chemical and herbal disinfection methods on the color stability of maxillofacial silicone: an in vitro study. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 2025; 16(Supl. 5): S4476–S4477.
STOILOVA I, et al. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the polyphenol mangiferin. Herba Polonica, 2005; 51: 37–44.
KANTHARIA N, et al. Effect of different disinfecting agents on color stability of maxillofacial silicone elastomers: an in vitro study. Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, 2014; 14(1): 75–80.
KUMAR P, et al. Evaluation of color stability of maxillofacial silicone materials after exposure to different disinfectants. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2017; 117(4): 531–535.
GOIATO MC, et al. Color stability comparison of silicone facial prostheses following immersion in disinfectant solutions. Journal of Prosthodontics, 2010; 19(7): 514–518.
ELENI PN, et al. Influence of disinfectants on the mechanical properties and color stability of maxillofacial silicone elastomers. Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, 2016; 44(10): 1458–1463.
