OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of different cleaners on the color stability of two silicone rubbers used for maxillofacial prosthesis, and to provide recommendations for clinical use.

METHODSThirty skin-color columniform specimens (12 mm diameter, 10 mm height) of two silicone rubber (A:A-2000; Z:ZY-1) were prepared, randomly divided into 6 groups according to the table of random number, and cleaned with the following solutions: isopropyl alcohol (I), three kinds of denture cleaners (P: Polident, S: Steradent, C: Cleansoft) and distilled water (D), simulating the total immersion time of 1 year (1, 15, 10, 3 and 10 min each time respectively). Control group was kept in dark place without treatment. The L(*), a(*), b(*) value were tested before and after immersion. Then color difference value was calculated.

RESULTSColor differences were different among groups. Color difference in group I (A: 2.15, Z: 2.00) were significantly greater than that in any other group. There were no significant differences between groups using denture cleaner P (A: 0.36, Z: 0.36), C (A: 0.42, Z: 0.37) and S (A: 0.33, Z: 0.38), and group D (A: 0.22, Z: 0.23).

CONCLUSIONSIsopropyl alcohol causes the most severe fading, and denture cleaners and distilled water cause obscure fading.