Do clear aligners shed microplastics? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT06934603

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This observational study tracks 150 orthodontic patients to measure microplastic particles in their saliva and urine before and during clear aligner treatment. Researchers want to see if wearing clear aligners increases microplastic exposure over time. The study does not test any treatment or intervention—it simply observes and measures.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could reveal whether clear aligners release microplastics into the body, informing future safety guidelines.

What could go wrong

This is an early observational study, not a treatment trial. It only measures exposure, not health effects, and results may not apply to all aligner brands or users.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    RECRUITING

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact