Keywords
Maxillofacial prosthesis
Color stability
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on the effects of physical factors on the degradation of maxillofacial prostheses made of silicone. Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted through an integrative literature review. The search was performed in the PubMed database using the descriptors “Silicone,” “Maxillofacial Prosthesis,” and “Color Stability,” combined with the Boolean operator “AND.” Articles published between 2018 and September 2025, in English, of the in vitro and in situ types, addressing the influence of physical agents on material stability, were included. After the screening process, six studies comprised the final sample. Results: Silicone exhibits low resistance to several environmental factors that cause optical and structural changes. The literature indicates that fatty acids from sebum react with the silicone matrix, breaking its polymer chains and accelerating degradation. Conversely, the addition of zirconia nanoparticles proved beneficial in attenuating these changes, providing greater color stability. Final considerations: Silicone degradation is a multifactorial process, highlighting the need to investigate new compositions and protective methods that enhance its durability and clinical performance. Improvements in these materials directly contribute to the aesthetic and functional quality of facial rehabilitations.
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