Improved edge strength in a facial prosthesis by incorporation of tulle: a clinical report

Abstract

This clinical report describes the use of tulle for increasing the tear resistance of a facial prosthesis. By incorporating tulle, a prosthesis' margins may be more stable, more resistant to tearing, and less likely to deform while adhesive, cosmetics, and cleaning agents are applied and removed. (J Prosthet Dent 2003;90:526-9.)

Effect of tulle on the mechanical properties of a maxillofacial silicone elastomer

“…These thin edges easily deform and tear with the effects of medical adhesives, cleaners, and body fluids. With silicone elastomers, one major drawback is their low tear resistance 22) . To date, no maxillofacial materials possess the resistance that is sufficient to withstand the tearing and rupturing effects these edges are frequently exposed and subjected to.…”

“…However, the addition of excessive amounts of fillers, organic or inorganic solids can be detrimental in that they degrade the physical properties of the silicone resin composite 21) . Recently, in a published report on improving the edge strength of facial prostheses 22) , the reinforcement material used was tulle. Currently, tulle is ubiquitously used in theaters and operas to fabricate artificial beards and moustaches, whereby hair is sewn on flesh-toned, nylon tulle and the latter attached on the skin with prosthetic adhesives.…”

“…Currently, tulle is ubiquitously used in theaters and operas to fabricate artificial beards and moustaches, whereby hair is sewn on flesh-toned, nylon tulle and the latter attached on the skin with prosthetic adhesives. Nonetheless, in a bid to increase the tear resistance of the margin of maxillofacial prostheses, tulle was incorporated in silicone elastomer in a recent research 22) . Tulle was chosen as the candidate material because its inherent flexibility would not cause any damage to the elastic behavior of the silicone material, thus preventing the latter from tearing at the edges 22,23) .…”

“…Nonetheless, in a bid to increase the tear resistance of the margin of maxillofacial prostheses, tulle was incorporated in silicone elastomer in a recent research 22) . Tulle was chosen as the candidate material because its inherent flexibility would not cause any damage to the elastic behavior of the silicone material, thus preventing the latter from tearing at the edges 22,23) . However; no research has been done to investigate and evaluate the strength of silicone elastomers reinforced with tulle.…”

Çene Yüz Protezleri̇nde Kullanilan Materyaller Ve Bu Konudaki̇ Geli̇şmeler

“…Günay ve ark, 37 ilave edilen naylon fiberin silikon matriks içinde bir alt yapı görevi görerek silikon matriksin mekanik dayanımını artırdığını belirtmişlerdir. Karayazgan ve ark'nın 38 bildirdikleri klinik raporda, naylon fiber ilave ettikleri silikon elastomerde herhangi bir kenar yırtılması ve kopmanın olmadığı gözlenmiştir.…”