We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Release of Microplastics and Chemical Compounds from Clear Orthodontic Aligners: A Narrative Review of the Current Evidence
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on clear plastic orthodontic aligners, worn in the mouth, and whether they release chemicals and tiny plastic particles as they wear down. Lab studies found that aligner surfaces can develop roughness and tiny cracks, sometimes releasing chemicals and microplastics, but most evidence comes from lab models rather than real-world use in people.
Resumen Introducción: El uso de alineadores ortodóncicos transparentes, los cuales permiten proporcionar fuerzas ortodóncicascontroladas, son fabricados a partir de polímeros termoplásticos, los cuales Sin embargo, también se ha visto que laexposición prolongada al ambiente oral puede inducir procesos de degradación del material que podrían favorecer laliberación de compuestos químicos y partículas microplásticas. Objetivo: Sintetizar la evidencia científica disponiblesobre la degradación de los materiales de alineadores ortodóncicos, la posible liberación de compuestos químicos y microplásticos, y sus potenciales implicancias biológicas. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión narrativa de laliteratura siguiendo principios metodológicos para revisiones narrativas de alta calidad y recomendaciones de la escalaSANRA. La búsqueda se efectuó en PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science y Cochrane Library utilizando términosrelacionados con alineadores ortodóncicos, degradación de materiales, liberación química y microplásticos.Resultados: La evidencia indica que los materiales utilizados en alineadores pueden experimentar cambios superficialesy mecánicos durante el uso intraoral, incluyendo aumento de rugosidad y microfisuras. Algunos estudios experimentaleshan demostrado la posible liberación de compuestos químicos y partículas microplásticas bajo condiciones de desgastemecánico, aunque la mayoría de los datos proviene de modelos in vitro. Conclusiones: Los alineadores ortodóncicospresentan un perfil de seguridad clínicamente favorable, aunque no completamente inerte desde el punto de vistafisicoquímico. Se requieren estudios clínicos longitudinales y métodos analíticos estandarizados para evaluar con mayorprecisión la exposición real y sus posibles implicancias biológicas.
More Papers Like This
Chemical leaching and microplastics from clear aligner materials: Current evidence and future perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review found that orthodontic clear aligners can release microplastics and chemicals like BPA into the mouth during normal use. While most products meet current safety standards, the combination of mechanical wear, saliva, and temperature changes in the mouth accelerates material breakdown, making dental appliances an underrecognized source of daily microplastic exposure.
Intraoral ageing of aligners and attachments: Adverse effects on clinical efficiency and release of biologically-active compounds
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how clear dental aligners and their attachments break down inside the mouth during use, releasing microplastics and chemical compounds from wear and friction. The aging process also reduces the aligners' ability to move teeth as planned. The findings raise questions about the safety of chronic microplastic exposure in the oral cavity from orthodontic appliances.
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.
Experimental assessment of damage and microplastic release during cyclic loading of clear aligners
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested three popular brands of clear orthodontic aligners under simulated chewing conditions and found that all released microplastic particles during use. Since patients wear aligners for extended periods each day, this represents a direct and ongoing source of microplastic ingestion, raising questions about the cumulative exposure from dental devices that are growing in popularity.
Biocompatibility and Safety of Orthodontic Clear Aligners and Thermoplastic Retainers: A Systematic In Vitro Review (2015–2025)
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examined whether orthodontic clear aligners and retainers release harmful chemicals or microplastics in the mouth. While most products met safety standards, some materials did release detectable levels of bisphenol A and other chemicals, especially during initial wear and after aging, raising questions about long-term oral exposure.
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.