Effect of Chemical Disinfectants on the Color Stability of Maxillofacial Silicones: An In Vitro Study

Purpose To evaluate the effect of chemical disinfection on the color stability of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) maxillofacial silicone elastomer with and without pigment addition. Materials and Methods Sixty specimens were obtained from a RTV maxillofacial silicone. The specimens were randomly divided into 6 groups according to pigments and disinfectant to be used (n = 10). NP-DW-nonpigmented silicone specimens to be immersed in distilled water (control). NP-S- nonpigmented silicone specimens to be rubbed with an anti-bacterial soap. NP-CHX-nonpigmented silicone specimens to be immersed in chlorhexidine gluconate solution (2%). P-DW-pigmented silicone specimens to be immersed in distilled water (control). P-S-pigmented silicone specimens to be rubbed with antibacterial soap. P-CHX-pigmented silicone specimens to be immersed in chlorhexidine gluconate solution (2%). Disinfection was conducted 6 times a day for 60 days simulating 1 year of usage. Color was evaluated after 60 days (disinfection period) using a reflectance spectrophotometer. Color alterations were calculated by the CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) system. Data were analyzed by t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey test (alpha = 0.05). Results NP-S and P-S exhibited the highest color alterations, whereas NP-DW and P-DW the lowest color alterations. Conclusion Disinfection procedures affect the color stability of maxillofacial silicone. Chlorhexidine gluconate solution (2%) can be effectively used as a chemical disinfectant for maxillofacial prostheses. Antibacterial soap produced clinically unacceptable color changes in the silicone, hence is not advisable as a disinfectant.