An increasingly common question when we talk about Dental Aligners: What are the components of the plastic? Do the clear aligners contain BPA?

I exclusively use #Invisalign products. Not only because it is the most recognized brand, the oldest, and has treated the most cases worldwide, but also because of the safety it offers to both Doctors and patients.

Invisalign aligners are made of high molecular weight thermoplastic polymers. They have undergone many biocompatibility tests and are FDA approved for long-term use within the human body.

They are free from epoxy, BPA, BPS, and latex. Therefore, there are no concerns regarding the use of these chemicals.

For many years, the simplest solution for correcting teeth was fixed braces. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners emerged as an alternative for patients, using a series of non-toxic clear aligners to reposition crooked teeth and gradually move them back to their correct position. However, despite their success, many current or potential Invisalign users remain concerned about the potential toxicity of BPA when they hear the phrase "clear plastic aligners."

As a result, many patients ask: "Does Invisalign have BPA?"

Invisalign does not contain BPA and is a non-toxic and reliable solution for teeth and jaw correction.

Invisalign does not undergo the type of BPA leaching and breakdown found in some plastic containers.

Although it has been declared safe by the FDA, it is understandable that people today have doubts about anything they place in their bodies or mouths.

What is BPA?

BPA (bisphenol A) is an industrial chemical used in many commercial products, including food containers and hygiene products, as well as canned foods, CDs, DVDs, medical equipment, containers, household electronics, and some dental sealing agents.

Discovered in the 1890s, BPA use in the United States grew in the 1950s when manufacturers realized it could be combined with other compounds to create stronger plastics.

The following three decades would find new applications for BPA, making its use in household goods more widespread.

Despite FDA approval, the debate over BPA erupted between the 1980s and 2000s, when members of advocacy groups shared their concerns about BPA's toxicity. During this time, several studies claimed that bisphenol A was linked to obesity, infertility, diabetes, and other health issues. These reports suggested that BPA entered the body through diet, for example, through canned foods or containers made for microwaving, where BPA leached into the food.

Does Invisalign contain BPA?

Invisalign does not contain bisphenol A or phthalate plasticizers, which are commonly found in plastics containing BPA. Instead, Invisalign is made from a clear, flexible plastic composed of medical-grade high polyurethane resins, which serve as a non-toxic alternative to BPA.

Orthodontists and other medical professionals have repeatedly reported that Invisalign remains incredibly safe.

Why are people online concerned about BPA?

Unfortunately, there are many white-label brands, aligners made without the necessary conditions, where unapproved materials may be used. This increases patient anxiety after reading controversial information. Therefore, it can sometimes be a challenge for patients to select the appliance they intend to use. It is advisable for patients seeking answers about BPA toxicity to speak directly with a medical professional or orthodontist.

Invisalign has a proven safety record.

Free from BPA concerns, 10 million patients have chosen Invisalign as their choice for teeth and jaw correction. The BPA-free Invisalign materials correct crooked teeth by applying plastic aligners that function as mouthguards, comfortably sliding over the teeth.

A 2014 study published in The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics found that Invisalign materials showed no measurable levels of BPA.

Since Invisalign does not contain BPA, patients can safely maintain a normal lifestyle. This makes Invisalign a pleasant and extremely safe option.

Bonus Tips:

Be cautious with white-label dental aligners.

The global orthodontics market with dental aligners is experiencing exponential growth.

The most popular brands of dental aligners are subject to high safety measures and are FDA approved. However, low-cost systems that do not undergo necessary approvals are emerging in the market.

Do not choose your treatment based on price.

Look for a certified orthodontist who uses one of the safe brands that are FDA approved.