Effects of different types of molds on the color difference, translucency, surface roughness, and hardness of a maxillofacial silicone elastomer.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dental stone molds and three dimensional (3D)-printed molds on the color difference, translucency, surface roughness, and hardness of maxillofacial silicones.

Methods: To prepare molds, a rectangular body 20 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, was designed with computer-aided design software. Two different dental gypsum molds were prepared with the lost-wax technique. Silicone mixture was poured into molds and polymerized at room temperature for 24 h. Color parameters were measured using a spectrophotometer. A profilometer was used for measuring surface roughness, and Shore A values were obtained with a durometer.

Results: Color change (ΔE₀₀) values of the 3D-resin group (1.53 ± 0.35) were significantly lower than others. The highest translucency parameter (TP) values belonged to the stainless steel group (12.44 ± 0.65). Surface roughness values (Ra) of the stainless steel group (0.28 ± 0.06) were significantly lower than other groups. The mean Shore A value of the 3D-resin group (23.90 ± 1.37) was significantly higher than the blue gypsum group (21.53 ± 0.93).

Conclusion: Lower color difference and higher Shore A values were examined with 3D-printed resin molds. The highest TP values and lowest Ra values were obtained when stainless steel was used for molding of maxillofacial silicone.