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Microplastic Release from Dental Materials: Environmental and Biological Implications
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This review examines how dental materials—composites, adhesives, denture bases, and orthodontic appliances—degrade under mechanical, thermal, enzymatic, and chemical stressors to release microplastics, contributing to both direct patient exposure and environmental contamination.
Abstract Aim: Degradation of plastics generates microplastics (<1 mm) having potential ecological and biological consequences. Dental materials such as composites, adhesives, denture bases, and orthodontic appliances are continuously exposed to mechanical, thermal, enzymatic, and chemical stressors that accelerate breakdown. These processes contribute to both direct human exposure and environmental contamination, raising growing concern about their long-term impact. Materials and Methods: A structured article search was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 2025, using keywords including microplastics, nanoplastics, dental composites, orthodontic appliances, denture base, and resin-based materials. Eligible studies included original research, reviews, and case studies addressing microplastic generation, degradation, and implications in dentistry. Evidence was synthesized into six thematic domains. Results: Findings revealed that restorative composites, orthodontic appliances, and denture base resins are significant sources of microplastic release. Intraoral degradation, clinical procedures (finishing, polishing, and removal), CAD/CAM milling, and improper disposal pathways contribute to microparticle generation. Microplastics enter the body via ingestion, inhalation, or mucosal embedding, with systemic translocation reported to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Environmentally, landfill leachates, incineration, wastewater discharge, and post-mortem exposure were identified as critical contamination routes. Mitigation strategies include material innovations, improved curing protocols, repair-oriented approaches, and in-clinic filtration systems. Conclusion: Resin-based dental materials, while clinically indispensable, represent an underrecognized source of microplastic exposure. Sustainable practices encompassing eco-friendly material design, optimized clinical protocols, and robust waste management are essential. Further research should quantify exposure levels and explore long-term biological consequences to support environmentally responsible dentistry.
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