293
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
T. J. Gutiérrez (ed.), Reactive and Functional Polymers Volume One,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43403-8_12
Chapter 12
Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers
in Dentistry
Pinar Cevik
Abstract Maxillofacial prostheses are used for patients with deformities in the
maxillofacial area induced by cancer, trauma or congenital defects. Different types
of polymers are used in the manufacture of maxillofacial prosthesis. However, silicone elastomers are the polymers most commonly used in the maxillofacial prosthodontics because of their acceptable properties. Since maxillofacial defects create
profound psychological and social difficulties in these patients, recent research
focused on improving the mechanical and physical properties of silicone elastomers
by using various incorporations of nano-oxide particles into the silicones.
Nevertheless, the use of conventional techniques in the manufacture of maxillofacial silicones still consumes a lot of time. Silicone prostheses manufactured conventionally are also still susceptible to color degradation and change in the mechanical
properties. Thus, the three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques of the maxillofacial prosthesis and the development of the printable maxillofacial prosthetic materials are of great interest. This chapter aims to analyze the novel approaches in
maxillofacial prosthodontic materials, especially silicone elastomers, and recent
advances in 3D printing technologies in the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses.
Keywords 3D modeling · Maxillofacial prosthodontics · Nanoparticles
12.1 Introduction
According to the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics (AAMP 2019),
maxillofacial prosthetics is a subspecialty of Prosthodontics that involves the rehabilitation of patients with defects or deformities that were present at birth or developing due to disease or trauma. Maxillofacial prosthodontists are accustomed to
working cooperatively with anaplastologists, general dentists, neurologists, plastic
surgeons, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists and auxiliary staff. The general
P. Cevik (*)
Department of Prosthodontics, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara, Turkey
e-mail: pinarcevik@gazi.edu.tr
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
T. J. Gutiérrez (ed.), Reactive and Functional Polymers Volume One,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43403-8_12
Chapter 12
Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers
in Dentistry
Pinar Cevik
Abstract Maxillofacial prostheses are used for patients with deformities in the
maxillofacial area induced by cancer, trauma or congenital defects. Different types
of polymers are used in the manufacture of maxillofacial prosthesis. However, silicone elastomers are the polymers most commonly used in the maxillofacial prosthodontics because of their acceptable properties. Since maxillofacial defects create
profound psychological and social difficulties in these patients, recent research
focused on improving the mechanical and physical properties of silicone elastomers
by using various incorporations of nano-oxide particles into the silicones.
Nevertheless, the use of conventional techniques in the manufacture of maxillofacial silicones still consumes a lot of time. Silicone prostheses manufactured conventionally are also still susceptible to color degradation and change in the mechanical
properties. Thus, the three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques of the maxillofacial prosthesis and the development of the printable maxillofacial prosthetic materials are of great interest. This chapter aims to analyze the novel approaches in
maxillofacial prosthodontic materials, especially silicone elastomers, and recent
advances in 3D printing technologies in the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses.
Keywords 3D modeling · Maxillofacial prosthodontics · Nanoparticles
12.1 Introduction
According to the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics (AAMP 2019),
maxillofacial prosthetics is a subspecialty of Prosthodontics that involves the rehabilitation of patients with defects or deformities that were present at birth or developing due to disease or trauma. Maxillofacial prosthodontists are accustomed to
working cooperatively with anaplastologists, general dentists, neurologists, plastic
surgeons, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists and auxiliary staff. The general
P. Cevik (*)
Department of Prosthodontics, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara, Turkey
e-mail: pinarcevik@gazi.edu.tr