We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Microplastic Footprint of Orthodontics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research showing that orthodontic devices like clear aligners, retainers, and tooth-colored fillings can shed tiny plastic particles—known as microplastics and nanoplastics—into your mouth over time. While scientists are still studying exactly how these particles affect our health, the paper suggests practical steps dentists can take to reduce this plastic exposure, which matters since millions of people wear these devices for months or years at a time.
The authors review evidence for the release of micro- and nanoplastics from orthodontic polymers—including clear aligners, composite attachments, and removable appliances—and offer practical clinical mitigation strategies. Keywords: orthodontics, microplastics, mitigation strategies, nanoplastics, plastics, plastics and orthodontic materials, polymers, clear aligners, composite attachments
More Papers Like This
Orthodontic Clear Aligners as a Potential Source of Microplastic Exposure: Implications for Human Health and Environmental Sustainability
AI summary Read the abstract
If you're using clear plastic aligners to straighten your teeth (like Invisalign), this review of existing research suggests that everyday wear and tear from chewing and saliva may cause them to shed tiny plastic particles into your mouth. Scientists don't yet know how much this affects your health, but it adds to growing concerns about microplastics — tiny plastic fragments already found throughout the human body — while also raising questions about the environmental waste from millions of discarded aligners. More research is needed before we know if this is something to actually worry about.
Microplastics in Orthodontics
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews how microplastics can leach from dental and orthodontic materials such as toothpaste, retainers, aligners, and adhesives, with the oral cavity being a direct route for microplastic ingestion. As orthodontic treatments become more common, especially clear aligner therapy, understanding the extent of microplastic release from these devices is important for assessing patient exposure.
Microplastic Release from Clear Aligners: a Clinical Study
AI summary Read the abstract
Clear plastic teeth aligners, worn by millions to straighten teeth, can shed tiny plastic particles (microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics) into your saliva as you chew and wear them over time. This study is the first to measure this shedding directly in people's mouths, looking at how wear time and cleaning habits affect how much plastic breaks off. Since we don't yet fully know the health effects of swallowing these particles, this research is an important first step in understanding a possible hidden source of microplastic exposure in everyday dental care.
Can Clear Aligners Release Microplastics That Impact the Patient’s Overall Health? A Systematic Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review investigates whether clear orthodontic aligners release microplastics during use in the mouth. The findings raise concerns about a previously overlooked source of direct microplastic exposure, since millions of people wear these plastic devices against their teeth and gums for months or years at a time.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in clinical dentistry and orthodontics: leaching, health implications, and future directions: a narrative review
AI summary Read the abstract
This narrative review examines the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from orthodontic appliances including aligners, retainers, and dental adhesives during routine wear and mechanical stress, calling for thorough investigation into health implications given the long-term use of these plastic-based devices.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.