BPA Free
Also called Bisphenol A, BPA is an organic chemical that is the basic unit of high-performance polymers and coatings, mainly polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. The substance is often present in hard, clear plastic products, found in baby bottles, jars, pacifiers, plates, cutlery and the inside of canned goods.
Studies show the harmful potential of Bisphenol A to health, with problems such as behavioral and memory disorders and also an increased risk of precocious puberty, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. BPA is a xenoestrogen; this means that it confuses cell receptors in the body and behaves in a similar way to natural estrogens. For this reason, it is considered an endocrine disruptor (ED). These substances, in general, unbalance the endocrine system, modifying the hormonal system.
Although the amount of BPA released into saliva by resinous materials is thousands of times lower than the safe dose limit, there is a trend to remove BPA from restorative dental products. In the field, BPA is not used directly, but its derivatives are.
“They are key components of polymeric materials that, when degraded, can generate a peak release of BPA in the body,” explains Rodrigo Reis, doctor of dentistry, master of science in restorative dentistry and biomaterials, postgraduate in implantology and with training in dental implant improvement.
According to the professional, international scientific committees consider the dose of BPA released to be insignificant and lower than exposure via other sources. “Certainly groups at higher risk of endocrine disruptors, such as pregnant women and children, and individuals concerned about the issue will prefer BPA Free materials, considering this a factor at least of concern,” he observes.
Adhering to the trend of BPA-free materials, FGM Dental Group, leader in sales of dental whiteners in several countries, also has BPA Free products, such as Vittra APS Unique unicromatic resins, Vittra APS premium resin and enamel and dentin adhesives, Ambar APS and Ambar Universal APS.
“Vittra APS resin does not contain the monomers synthesized from this compound in its formulation, in accordance with international regulatory bodies. The organic base of the resin contains monomers of the UDMA and TEGDMA type, which do not release BPA into saliva,” explains Friedrich Georg Mittelstädt, technical director of FGM
