LAUSR

Introduction: The aims of the study were to evaluate and compare the bisphenol A (BPA) levels in saliva in patients using vacuum‐formed retainers or Hawley retainers. Methods: Forty‐five patients who had completed their fixed orthodontic treatment and were entering the retention phase were randomly allocated into 1 of 3 groups: vacuum‐formed retainer, Hawley retainer fabricated by heat cure, and Hawley retainer fabricated by chemical cure. Saliva samples were collected immediately before placement, within 1 hour after placement, 1 week and 1 month after placement. Statistical analyses were performed by using 2‐way analysis of variance and post‐hoc multiple‐comparisons Tukey HSD tests. Results: Statistically significant BPA levels in saliva were found for all groups (P ≤0.05). The highest levels were noted in the vacuum‐formed retainer group, followed by Hawley retainers fabricated by chemical cure; the lowest levels were found with Hawley retainers fabricated by heat cure. Conclusions: With many options available for removable retainers, clinicians should consider the BPA release from these retainers; a Hawley retainer fabricated by heat cure is a favorable choice. HighlightsRetainers fabricated from thermoplastic materials could release BPA.BPA in saliva was assessed with vacuum‐formed, heat‐, and chemical‐cure retainers.BPA levels increased in all groups after placement of the retainer.BPA level in saliva was greatest for vacuum‐formed retainers.BPA level in salive was lowest for heat‐cure Hawleys retainers.