Maxillofacial prosthetic materials - then, now, beyond

Materials used in maxillofacial prosthetics encompass a wide range of chemical structures. Physical properties range from hard, stiff alloys, ceramics, and polymers to soft, flexible polymers and elastomers, including formulations of latex and plastisols. Polymers and elastomers are the mainstay of modern maxillofacial prosthetic reconstruction. Poly(methyl)methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, and polyetherurethanes have been tested and used in meeting the demand for materials that will be biocompatible, durable, color stable, and easily manipulated. An ideal material has yet to be formulated. Improvements toward the ideal will result from molecular modifications of functional units of the polymers and elastomers.