Microplastics in Clear Aligner Therapy: A Narrative Review

An extensive acceptance of advancements in the realm of orthodontics has paved the way for the entry of a new generation of appliances, mainly clear aligners, to surpass the inconvenience caused by conventional traditional methods of orthodontic braces. These aligners, although have earned an esthetic compliance, has its own shortcomings. The clear aligners are nothing but products of thermoplastic polymers that are exposed to mechanical stress, salivary enzymes, and thermal fluctuations in the oral environment that result in the degradation of the material and the release of microplastics (MPs). This MP release brings out a negative impact on the whole. To date, a concise cumulation of evidence is still on the run to provide a proper understanding of the subject. Given the increasing use of clear aligner therapy, this review highlights the need for comprehensive research into material safety, regulation of MP emissions, and the innovation of environmentally sustainable alternatives in orthodontic practice.