In vitro evaluation of color stability of three maxillofacial silicone elastomers: Effects of soap-based disinfection

The preservation of color stability in maxillofacial silicone prostheses is essential for their aesthetic appeal and functional durability. This research investigated the impact of two soap-based disinfectants and tap water on the color stability of three silicone elastomers: A-2186-F, VST-50, and GC Silfy, over a simulated five-year clinical service duration. The samples were immersed daily for two weeks in tap water, Muse hand disinfectant soap, and Hadakara body soap, simulating approximately five years of clinical use. Color stability was evaluated at baseline (T0), after 7 days (T1), and after 14 days (T2). The results revealed that the disinfectants exerted minimal influence on the color stability of the silicones, with GC Silfy and VST-50 exhibiting greater resistance to discoloration than A-2186-F. Particularly, exposure to Muse hand disinfectant soap led to the most significant color alteration in A-2186-F. Nevertheless, the changes observed across all materials remained below the threshold of perceptibility (Delta E* = 1.1), indicating that they are not visually noticeable. These findings underscore the significance of selecting appropriate materials and ensuring disinfectant compatibility to preserve the aesthetic quality of maxillofacial prostheses. By refining cleaning protocols, it may be feasible to improve the longevity and clinical efficacy of these prosthetic materials.