Which monomer is widely used and safe in medical/dental products but unsuitable for artificial nail liquids?

• A. HEMA
• B. MMA
• C. EMA
• D. TPO

Answer: (B)

Methyl methacrylate is a monomer well established in medical and dental resins because, when cured, it forms a strong, durable acrylic that works well for dentures and other medical/dental applications. On the other hand, using it in artificial nail liquids isn’t suitable because the resulting polymer is very rigid, difficult to remove, and can cause severe irritation or allergic reactions to the nail bed or surrounding skin. This safety risk is why MMA is avoided in nail products even though it remains common in dental and medical materials when properly used. The other options play different roles in dental or cosmetic products, or serve as initiators rather than primary monomers, so they don’t fit the described scenario.