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Microplastics in Orthodontics
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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.
Introduction :The role of microplastics in the environment have become a major concern over the years .the leaching of microplastics from the materials used in the orthodontics has been increased .primary and secondary microplastics are leached from the materials such as tooth paste, retainers , resin-based composite and aligners. Microplastics and nano plastics are small plastic fragments of <5 mm and <1000 nm, respectively. Most commonly, MPs are defined as synthetic polymer particles or fibers with a diameter of 1–5000 μm , even though the lower limit has been extended down to 100 nm by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). Their ingestion could cause oxidative stress and inflammatory lesions. Thus, it is important to enhance the understanding of microplastics to minimise the potential risks.
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