REINFORCEMENT AND SELF-HEALING STRATEGIES IN NEXT-GENERATION SILICONES FOR MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHETICS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Background: Maxillofacial silicone prosthesis plays a vital role in restoring facial structures and function but lack color
stability, mechanical properties, and lifespan. These limitations affect both durability and patient satisfaction.
Objectives: This review highlight recent advancements in silicone elastomer modifications, focusing on nanoparticle
incorporation, self-healing system, and multifunctional strategies to improve the longevity, aesthetics, and clinical
performance of prosthesis.
Results: Nanoparticle such as silica aerogels, carbon nanotubes, and magnetic nanoparticles enhance optical stability,
UV resistance, hydrophobicity, antimicrobial activity, and mechanical strength. Self-healing systems enables crack
repair, whereas high-adhesive elastomers, multifunctional coatings, and flexible sensors increase clinical applications.
Despite these advantages, standardized testing, long-term in vivo validation, and, biocompatible formulations remains
challenging.
Conclusion: Innovations in next-generation silicone elastomers promise durable, adaptive, and patient-centered
maxillofacial prostheses. Their successful translation could substantially improve clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.