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Microplastics and nanoplastics in clinical dentistry and orthodontics: leaching, health implications, and future directions: a narrative review
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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.
This narrative review critically summarizes that microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in many different environments, including water and food, raising concerns on their possible harm to human health. Previous research indicates that microplastics may cause inflammation and tissue damage; however, the full extent of their health risks remains uncertain. Given the long-term use of plastic-based orthodontic appliances such as aligners, retainers, and widespread usage of adhesives, the potential release of microplastics and nanoplastics during routine wear and mechanical stress warrants thorough investigation to ensure patient safety and long-term biocompatibility. The literature search conducted for this review was structured but non-systematic, with no formal risk-of-bias evaluation. This review aimed to critically evaluate the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health, with a focus on their relevance to orthodontics. The review also aimed to identify possible gaps in current research, particularly regarding the quantification of microplastic leakage from orthodontic appliances and their possible long-term effects. Current evidence highlights a clear need for more targeted research to inform and improve safety standards regarding microplastics and plastic usage in orthodontic and dental practice.
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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.
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics have infiltrated ecosystems, food, water, and even human tissues, with particular focus on their relevance to healthcare settings — especially dentistry and orthodontics — where extensive plastic use generates microplastic debris from single-use items and clear aligners.
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Researchers highlighted oral appliances such as splints, clear aligners, and mandibular advancement devices as potential underrecognized sources of chronic micro- and nanoplastic exposure, calling for rigorous human-centered studies to quantify the cumulative health risks from these widely used dental devices.
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Researchers found microplastics in four different brands of orthodontic adhesives used by dentists to attach braces. The microplastics were identified as fibers, fragments, and pellets containing various plastic polymers. While the amount is small compared to other plastic pollution sources, this study shows that dental materials can introduce microplastic particles into patients' mouths and eventually into the environment.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.