The Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO) has banned dentists from using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as an injectable filler for exclusively aesthetic procedures [1, 2, 3].
This regulatory shift restricts the application of a permanent filler that has been subject to scrutiny due to its irreversible nature. By limiting the substance to specific medical needs, the council aims to standardize safety protocols for facial procedures performed by dental surgeons in Brazil.
The prohibition was formalized through Resolution CFO No. 297/2026 [1]. This resolution was published in the Diário Oficial da União on Friday, July 24 [1, 2].
Under the new rules, the use of PMMA is no longer permitted when the goal is purely cosmetic enhancement. However, the substance remains legal for reconstructive or reparative treatments, provided those uses are authorized by Anvisa, Brazil's health regulatory agency [1, 3, 4].
Dental surgeons who utilize the material for prohibited aesthetic purposes may face disciplinary action from the federal council. The move clarifies the boundaries of dental practice regarding permanent fillers, a distinction intended to protect patients from potential long-term complications associated with non-absorbable materials.
The resolution takes effect immediately following its publication on July 24 [2].
“The CFO prohibits the use of injectable PMMA for cosmetic facial fillers.”
This ban reflects a growing global trend toward prioritizing patient safety over permanent cosmetic modifications. By limiting PMMA to Anvisa-approved reparative cases, the CFO is reducing the risk of irreversible complications in the dental field and narrowing the scope of aesthetic practice to avoid conflicts with other medical specialties.
