We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A spectroscopic study on orthodontic aligners: First evidence of secondary microplastic detachment after seven days of artificial saliva exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether clear orthodontic aligners release microplastics when exposed to artificial saliva over seven days. The study found evidence of microplastic detachment from aligners made by multiple manufacturers, representing the first documentation of secondary microplastic release from these dental devices. The findings raise questions about potential microplastic ingestion by the millions of people who use clear aligners.
Clear orthodontic aligners have recently seen increasing popularity. The thermoplastic materials present several advantages, even if it is known that all plastic products can be subjected to environmental and mechanical degradation, leading to the release of microplastics (MPs). Their ingestion could cause oxidative stress and inflammatory lesions. This study aims to evaluate the potential detachment of MPs by clear aligners due to mechanical friction simulated with a 7-day protocol in artificial saliva. The study was performed on orthodontic clear aligners from different manufacturers: Alleo (AL); FlexiLigner (FL); F22 Aligner (F22); Invisalign® (INV); Lineo (LIN); Arc Angel (ARC), and Ortobel Aligner (OR). For each group, two aligners were immersed in artificial saliva for 7 days and stirred for 5 h/day, simulating the physiological teeth mechanical friction. After 7 days, the artificial saliva was filtered; then, filters were analyzed by Raman Microspectroscopy (RMS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively to chemically identify the polymeric matrix and to measure the number and size of the detected MPs. RMS spectra revealed that AL, FL, LIN, ARC, and OR aligners were composed by polyethylene terephthalate, while F22 and INV ones by polyurethane. SEM analysis showed that the highest number of MPs was found in ARC and the lowest in INV (p < 0.05). As regards MPs' size, no statistically significant difference was found among groups, with most MPs ranging from 5 to 20 μm. Noteworthy, a highly significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was highlighted between the distribution of MPs size and the different typologies of aligners. This in vitro study highlighted for the first time the detachment of MPs from clear aligners due to mechanical friction. This evidence may represent a great concern in the clinical practice since it could impact human general health.
More Papers Like This
Evaluation of microplastic release from orthodontic clear aligner – A spectroscopic study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated microplastic release from orthodontic clear aligners under simulated oral conditions using Raman microspectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The study found that mechanical friction in the mouth can cause these dental devices to shed microplastic particles, raising questions about an overlooked source of direct microplastic exposure for the millions of people who use clear aligners.
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.
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.
Microplastic Particle Recovery from Orthodontic Appliances: An In Vitro Pilot Study Using Laser-Directed Infrared Spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested clear aligners and nighttime retainers in artificial saliva to see if they shed tiny plastic particles (microplastics) into your mouth. They found that clear aligners released far more particles than nighttime-only retainers, over 1,000 in one case, though this was a small lab test, not a study of real people wearing these devices. More research is needed to know what this means for your health, but it's a useful first step in understanding a possible everyday source of microplastic 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.