The process to receive a silicone restoration is more complex than with the other two materials due to its customized nature, but often provides the most realistic and long-lasting restorations. Realism is achieved by the varied texture of silicone, size and shape matching through custom molding, and color duplication utilizing multiple photographs of the non-affected hand. The final product is a cosmetic restoration that often goes unnoticed because it so closely resembles the non-affected hand. The advantages of silicone are that it does not stain like latex, provides the highest cosmetic restoration quality, and has a longevity of 3 to 5 years. One disadvantage of silicone is that it is heavier than latex and can only be used with certain types of prosthetic hands, specifically those that utilize an endoskeletal design.
Silicone is also more expensive and takes longer to fabricate.
A body-powered prosthesis, sometimes called a conventional prosthesis, is powered and controlled by gross body movements . For some levels of amputation or deficiency an elbow system can be added to provide the patient additional function. There are several advantages associated with a body powered prosthesis. Because of it s simple design, this type of prosthesis is highly durable and can be used for tasks that involve water and dust and in other potentially damaging environments. Many patients who wear a body-powered prosthesis comment that they have increased control due a phenomenon called proprioception .