THE COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF TWO MAXILLOFACIAL SILICONE MATERIALS BY USING TWO DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES - AN INVITRO STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Silicone is the most common material used to fabricate maxillofacial prostheses because of its texture, strength, durability, ease in handling and coloring, and the patient comfort. The surface topography of silicone is an important factor to be considered while making a maxillofacial prosthesis. The surface character of the Elastomer was controlled by the investment surface against which the Elastomer was processed.
Aim: To assess surface roughness of two maxillofacial silicones processed against three different molds made out of Dental Stone and Epoxy Resin and Stereolithography.
Materials and methods: A stainless steel master die of 1 inch diameter and 10mm thickness were fabricated. The master die were invested using type III dental stone and two mold spaces were created. The master dies were removed then each mold space was packed with maxillofacial silicone material for curing and 10 samples were processed. Epoxy resin mold was done by pattern investment technique and 20 samples were made, 10 samples. Stereolithography mold was fabricated using CAD-CAM technology. 20 samples were made with 10 samples each for M P Sai and Cosmesil Silicones respectively. These samples were subjected to 3-D Profilometer, Scanning Electron Microscope for evaluation of surface texture.
Results: Cosmesil yields smoother, uniform surface than MP Sai silicone. STL mold delivered the most uniform, regular surface to the samples followed by Epoxy Resin mold and Dental Stone mold respectively.
Conclusion: Cosmesil yields smoother, uniform surface then MP Sai Silicone. Among three molds STL mold delivered the most uniform, regular surface to the samples followed by Epoxy Resin mold and Dental Stone mold.
Keywords: Surface Texture, Surface smoothness, Maxillofacial Silicones, Stereolithography, 3-D Profilometer