Silicone-based Composite for Relining of Removable Dental Prosthesis

Abstract

A high molecular weight dimethylmethylvinylsiloxane copolymer (Mv = 450, 000) has been synthesized, analyzed, and used as matrix to prepare a composite by mixing with a proper amount of silica. A mixture of Fe2O 3/TiO2 was added to obtain a color close to the natural. 2,4-Dichlorobenzoyl peroxide was also incorporated as a crosslinking catalyst. This heat curable silicone-based formulation was used for relining removable dental prosthesis. The optimum conditions to appliance and hardening of the silicone composite on the prosthesis were established. The main surface (morphology, water contact angle, and water vapor sorption capacity) and mechanical characteristics were evaluated for the crosslinked silicone processed as thick film. The prosthesis relined with silicone was tested on a machine simulating mandible biomechanics both from kinematics and dynamic points of view. The results revealed a good behavior of our composite that remained unmodified after 700,000 mastication cycles.