Contaminants in Invisible Orthodontics: Hidden Dangers to Oral Health
Invisible orthodontics products, such as clear aligners, retainers, and mouthguards, are in direct contact with our mouths for extended periods. These devices can contain intended ingredients that may pose risks, but our pilot studies have uncovered that many oral care products are contaminated with harmful substances not listed on the label. The global clear aligners market was valued at $3.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24% from 2022 to 2031 [1]. This rapidly increasing demand for invisible orthodontics highlights the urgent need for rigorous safety testing on the millions of products used daily, ensuring consumer protection and regulatory compliance in this industry.
Why This Matters
The oral cavity is highly sensitive to chemicals, and long-term contact with harmful substances can significantly impact our oral health and overall well-being. This is why it's so important to be cautious about the materials used in dental products like aligners, retainers, and mouthguards that we keep in our mouths for long periods.
Our mouths are particularly good at absorbing substances, which means chemicals from these devices can easily enter our bodies. This risk is even higher because many people wear orthodontic products for several hours each day or throughout the night.
It's also important to note that these products can release more chemicals through various activities:
Chewing or gnawing on the devices
Wearing them during sports activities
Grinding teeth at night
Exposure to acids and bacteria naturally present in our mouths
All of these factors can cause the materials to break down over time, potentially releasing more chemicals into our mouths. This is why it's crucial to ensure that the orthodontic products we use are made from safe materials and free from harmful contaminants.
By understanding these risks, we can make more informed choices about the dental products we use and push for greater transparency and safety standards in the orthodontics industry.
We Found Harmful Chemicals In Aligners
We have conducted non-targeted testing on two popular brands of invisible aligners and discovered levels of certain chemicals that are concerning. Both brands were found to contain high levels of 4,4'-Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), a chemical commonly used in the production of polyurethanes.
Polyurethanes are materials often used in the manufacturing of retainers and aligners for their flexibility and durability. However, exposure to MDI can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation, and long-term exposure may lead to more severe health effects, including asthma [1][2].
Additionally, one of the retainers tested showed high levels of Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a plasticizer used to increase flexibility in plastics. DEP can be absorbed through the skin or ingested. Exposure to DEP has been associated with endocrine disruption, potentially affecting hormonal balance and reproductive health [3][4][5].
The other retainer contained high levels of Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), an antioxidant used to prevent the degradation of materials. While BHT is generally considered safe in small amounts, it has been linked to potential liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure [6]. Since invisible orthodontics are in the mouth for extended periods, these risks are exponentially higher.
A Need for Transparency in the Invisible Orthodontics Industry
While invisible orthodontics are essential for correcting dental misalignments and protecting teeth, some popular products may contain potentially harmful ingredients or contaminants. For instance, some clear aligners and retainers are made from various types of plastic, which can leach chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates.
These endocrine disruptors have been linked to numerous health issues [7][8]. Additionally, products may contain residual monomers or other chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
Besides known ingredients, products can also become contaminated throughout various stages of production. This makes product testing crucial for ensuring the safety of invisible orthodontics.
How Do Harmful Chemicals Contaminate Invisible Orthodontics?
Many invisible orthodontics contain plastic materials. However, many brands are making concerted efforts to make safer products. Unfortunately, even safe products can become unknowingly contaminated with harmful chemicals from various sources.
Contamination can occur at various stages of producing invisible orthodontics:
Raw material sourcing: Materials used in manufacturing may be contaminated before reaching the manufacturer.
Manufacturing process: Equipment or packaging materials can introduce toxicants.
Chemical reactions: Components in the product may react with one another or degrade over time, producing other chemicals.
Storage and transportation: Improper conditions can lead to chemical changes or contamination.
Many brands may be unaware of these issues, as thorough testing is not always required or performed consistently. The only way to truly ensure product safety is through comprehensive, independent testing.
Non-Targeted Testing for Invisible Orthodontics Safety
The potential presence of harmful chemicals and contaminants in invisible orthodontics underscores the critical need for comprehensive product testing. With the oral cavity being particularly vulnerable to toxic substances, ensuring the safety of these products is paramount. Transparency in product formulations and rigorous safety assessments are essential for consumers to make informed choices about the orthodontic devices they use.
To address this gap, our research institute plans to expand its database of product testing initiatives to focus on invisible orthodontics. We aim to test a wide range of products, including clear aligners, retainers, and mouthguards, using non-targeted testing methods.
By employing advanced techniques like high-resolution mass spectrometry, we can detect a wide range of known and unknown chemical compounds, enabling the identification of unexpected contaminants that may have been introduced during manufacturing, storage, or transportation.
Why Your Support Matters
By investing in our product testing initiatives, you're helping to create a safer future for all orthodontic patients.
Your donation will:
Fund state-of-the-art laboratory testing
Aid our research into safer material alternatives
Enable us to share our findings with consumers, manufacturers, and regulators
Support our consumer-facing database of scored products
Help us advocate for stricter safety standards in orthodontic products
Together, we can ensure that the products meant to improve our oral health and appearance are truly safe and effective.
Resources
[1] https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/clear-aligners-market-A12343
[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01995.x
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412018303404
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412018316453
[5] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2164/jandrol.108.006403[6] https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-0348-7432-8_47
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890623813003456
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412021005286
