Prosthetic Fabrication & Fitting Flashcards

The fitting appointment for a new silicone auricular prosthesis should include evaluation of which margin characteristic as the highest priority?

Answer: Seamless border blending with no visible lift or gap against the surrounding skin

Margin integration is the most critical esthetic and functional fitting criterion; visible gaps or lifting edges reveal the prosthesis and reduce patient confidence.

During a prosthesis delivery appointment, the anaplastologist instructs the patient to avoid alcohol-based cleansers on the silicone primarily because:

Answer: Repeated alcohol exposure degrades silicone and dissolves extrinsic surface paints

Isopropyl and ethyl alcohol degrade silicone polymer over time and dissolve extrinsic pigments, reducing prosthesis lifespan and color fidelity.

Photographic documentation at each appointment in anaplastology serves which primary clinical purpose beyond record-keeping?

Answer: Providing objective reference for evaluating color drift, margin integrity, and dimensional changes over time

Standardized photographs allow objective comparison of prosthesis color fidelity, margin fit, and tissue changes at each recall visit, guiding repair or replacement decisions.

The 'skin safe' designation on a silicone adhesive for extra-oral prosthesis retention specifically indicates that the product:

Answer: Has passed cytotoxicity, irritation, and sensitization testing for prolonged dermal contact

Skin-safe adhesives meet biocompatibility standards for extended dermal contact, minimizing the risk of allergic sensitization or irritation at the prosthesis-skin interface.

When a patient reports that the margins of their orbital prosthesis are lifting after several hours of wear, the most likely cause is:

Answer: Inadequate adhesive application technique or skin oiliness compromising bond strength

Margin lifting during wear almost always reflects adhesive failure due to insufficient coverage, improper application, or sebaceous skin preventing adequate bonding.

In anaplastology, the term 'spectral reflectance' is relevant when using a spectrophotometer because it measures:

Answer: The amount of light reflected by the prosthesis surface across each wavelength of the visible spectrum

A spectrophotometer measures reflectance at each wavelength, providing an objective color profile that can be compared to the patient's skin to guide intrinsic pigment formulation.

When polishing the surface of a cured silicone auricular prosthesis, the preferred method is to:

Answer: Gently stipple or texture the surface with a solvent-softened silicone paste to match natural skin texture

Natural skin has a matte, textured surface; stippling with silicone paste replicates pore texture and avoids the unnatural shine that mechanical polishing creates.