A laboratory silicone for preclinical training in ear prosthesis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Maxillofacial prosthodontics training requires cost-effective materials for fabricating facial prostheses.
• Conventional maxillofacial silicones are expensive, limiting pre-clinical laboratory exercises.
• Existing alternatives like polymethyl methacrylate resins lack necessary elastic properties.

Observation:

• Industrial elastic silicone was evaluated for laboratory fabrication of ear prostheses.
• Toxicity testing by SGS India Pvt. Ltd confirmed the material is non-toxic.
• The industrial silicone exhibits elastic and color characteristics similar to conventional maxillofacial silicones.

Findings:

• Industrial elastic silicone is a safe and viable material for ear prosthesis fabrication.
• The material passed abnormal toxicity testing, making it suitable for laboratory use.
• This silicone provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive maxillofacial silicones.

Implications:

• Enables affordable pre-clinical training in facial prosthesis fabrication for maxillofacial prosthodontics students.
• Addresses the inadequacy of current pre-clinical training due to material costs.
• Facilitates hands-on learning with a material that mimics the properties of clinical-grade silicones.