Plastics are everywhere in modern life and they have also become an important part of modern dentistry. Tooth-coloured fillings, dental adhesives, sealants, splints and prosthetic materials are often made from dental plastics, also called composites.
These materials have many advantages: they are aesthetic, versatile and allow metal-free dental treatments. However, for some people, dental plastics can become an unexpected source of biological stress. Understanding how this happens is an important step toward holistic health.
What are dental plastics made of?
Dental plastics are usually based on acrylates. Acrylates are chemical building blocks (called monomers) that harden into a solid material during dental treatment.
Common acrylates used in dentistry include:
- UDMA (Urethane Dimethacrylate)
- TEGDMA (Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate)
- BisGMA (Bisphenol A Glycidyl Methacrylate)
- MMA (Methyl Methacrylate)
UDMA (Urethane Dimethacrylate)
UDMA is a flexible acrylate commonly used in dental composites.
- It helps make fillings strong and resistant to chewing forces
- It allows the material to bond well to the tooth
- Because of its chemical structure, small amounts can sometimes be released into saliva
In simple terms: UDMA gives dental fillings strength and flexibility.
TEGDMA (Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate)
TEGDMA is a low-viscosity (very fluid) acrylate.
- It helps the material flow smoothly into small spaces
- It improves handling during dental procedures
- Due to its small molecular size, it can be released more easily if not fully hardened
In simple terms: TEGDMA makes dental materials easier to shape, but it is also more mobile in the mouth.
BisGMA (Bisphenol A Glycidyl Methacrylate)
BisGMA is a more rigid acrylate and forms the backbone of many composites.
- It gives dental plastics stability and hardness
- It is chemically related to Bisphenol A (BPA), although not identical
- Under certain conditions, trace amounts of BPA may be released as a degradation product
In simple terms: BisGMA provides structure and strength to dental fillings.
MMA (Methyl Methacrylate)
MMA is a small acrylate molecule used mainly in dentures and temporary dental materials.
- It allows materials to harden quickly
- It has a higher potential to cause irritation or sensitivity
- It is known for its strong smell during processing
In simple terms: MMA is a fast-hardening plastic component that some people tolerate less well.
Why this matters
These acrylates are safe for most people. However:
- tiny amounts can remain unpolymerised (not fully hardened)
- some individuals are more sensitive than others
- reactions can be toxic (cell stress) or allergic (immune response)
Understanding these materials helps explain why holistic testing and individual tolerance assessment can be important for people with unexplained symptoms or sensitivities.
During treatment, these monomers are supposed to polymerise. Polymerisation means that small molecules link together to form a stable, solid structure: similar to many tiny beads forming a strong chain.
Why acrylates can be released
Even with careful dental work, small amounts of unpolymerised monomers often remain in the material. These leftover substances are called residual monomers.
Over time, they can be released into the saliva. This process is known as elution: the gradual leaching of substances from a solid material into a liquid.
The amount released depends on several factors:
- how well the material was cured (polymerised)
- how much time has passed since placement
- the specific chemical properties of the material
- enzymatic and bacterial activity in the mouth
In other words: The mouth is not a static environment, it is warm, moist, full of enzymes and bacteria.
What happens when acrylates enter the body?
Research shows that acrylates can:
- pass through cell membranes (the protective walls of cells)
- reduce glutathione, the body’s most important intracellular antioxidant
- increase reactive oxygen species (free radicals)
This chain reaction leads to oxidative stress, meaning an overload of aggressive molecules that damage cells.
As a result, cells may produce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are messenger molecules of the immune system. Some promote inflammation when the body perceives stress or danger.
Importantly, this inflammatory reaction can occur even without an allergy.
Not all reactions are allergies
Some patients react to dental plastics even though allergy tests are negative. This is because there are two different mechanisms:
- Toxic or irritative effects
These depend on how acrylates affect cells and oxidative balance. - Allergic sensitisation
Here, the immune system recognises the substance as a threat.
Allergic reactions can be detected using:
- BAT (Basophil Activation Test): shows immediate immune reactions
- LTT (Lymphocyte Transformation Test): shows delayed immune reactions
In allergic sensitisation, even tiny, non-measurable amounts of a substance can trigger symptoms.
Bisphenol A: A special case
One substance deserves special attention: Bisphenol A (BPA).
BPA is not an acrylate, but it can occur as:
- a contaminant
- a degradation product of dental materials
BPA is known as an endocrine disruptor. This means it can interfere with the hormone system by binding to estrogen receptors.
In simple words: BPA can mimic hormones and disturb hormonal balance.
Why some people show no acrylates in saliva
Interestingly, not all patients show measurable acrylates in saliva tests. This does not always mean there is no exposure.
Two explanations are possible:
- The material does not release acrylates.
- Acrylates are released but rapidly broken down by salivary enzymes.
Saliva contains enzymes that can transform acrylates into metabolites (breakdown products). These metabolites are still poorly understood in terms of immune effects and toxicity. Advanced laboratory methods use stability testing (spiking) to detect rapid breakdown processes and document them in the results.
How plastic exposure is measured
Modern diagnostics use LC-MS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry), a highly sensitive analytical method.
Testing is done using morning saliva or basal saliva (without chewing gum), because gum ingredients can interfere with results.
Why this matters for holistic health
Dental plastics are not “bad” by definition. But individual tolerance differs.
For people with:
- chronic inflammation
- unexplained symptoms
- oxidative stress
- hormonal imbalance
- material sensitivities
dental plastics can act as a hidden stress factor.
Holistic diagnostics help:
- identify material-related burdens
- distinguish toxicity from allergy
- guide personalised treatment decisions
Summary: Knowledge creates choice
Modern dentistry relies on plastics and for many people, they work perfectly well. But for others, they can quietly influence inflammation, oxidative stress and immune balance.
Understanding plastic exposure from dental materials gives patients clarity, control and informed choices.
If you want to know whether dental materials could be affecting your health, holistic testing and expert interpretation can provide answers and open the door to targeted, personalised solutions. Please feel free to contact us.
