Release of formaldehyde from denture base polymers.

The release of formaldehyde in an aqueous environment at 37 degrees C from the surface of heat-polymerized, and auto-polymerized dough and pour type acrylic denture base materials was determined quantitatively. The analytical method used was based on determination of the reaction product of formaldehyde and dimedone by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), i.e. the method is spesific for formaldehyde. Chemical model reactions were carried out to simulate possible reaction mechanisms for the formation of formaldehyde in denture base polymers. The quantities of released formaldehyde was dependent on the processing conditions and composition of the material. Heat-polymerized denture base materials released considerably less formaldehyde than the auto-polymerized dough and pour types of materials.