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Color changes in dry-pigmented maxillofacial elastomer resulting from ultraviolet light exposure
M W Beatty1, G K Mahanna, K Dick
1Department of Adult Restorative Dentisitry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, Lincoln, USA.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Certain pigments degrade quickly under UV light, causing early prosthesis discoloration. Longer-term color shifts in prostheses may stem from changes within the maxillofacial elastomer itself.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Maxillofacial prostheses rely on color stability for aesthetic outcomes.
- Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can degrade polymers and pigments, leading to color changes.
- Understanding material degradation is crucial for improving prosthesis longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the color stability of a maxillofacial elastomer and dry pigments under UV light exposure.
- To differentiate between early and long-term color changes in prosthetic materials.
- To identify specific materials susceptible to UV-induced degradation.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of a maxillofacial elastomer and five dry pigments to two UV light sources for 400, 600, and 1800 hours.
- Quantification of color changes using delta E (ΔE) measurements.
- Assessment of both unpigmented and pigmented elastomer samples.
Main Results:
- The unpigmented elastomer showed minimal color change (ΔE) after 600 hours of UV exposure.
- Two pigments exhibited significant color shifts (ΔE) after only 400 hours.
- Three pigments remained color stable throughout the 1800-hour UV exposure period.
Conclusions:
- Early color changes in maxillofacial prostheses can be attributed to the degradation of UV-susceptible pigments.
- Long-term color instability in prostheses may be primarily caused by changes within the elastomer material.
- Material selection is critical for ensuring the long-term color fidelity of maxillofacial restorations.