Micro- and Nanoplastics from Occlusal Splints: An Underestimated Problem?
Marianna Pielcke, Dr. Heike Meissner, Prof. Klaus Boening, Dr. Michael Raedel
Prosthodontics, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden
Objectives
Micro- and nanoplastics are omnipresent in nature, food and the human body, raising concerns about their health effects. Bruxism, affecting 8% to 31% of Western adults, involves teeth clenching, grinding, or gnashing. Occlusal splints, commonly used to treat bruxism and temporomandibular disorders, may wear due to the intense forces exerted during bruxism. Aim of this pilot in-vitro study was to estimate the quality and quantity of micro- and nanoplastics resulting from the use of occlusal splints in cases of bruxism.
Materials and Methods
Specimens made of splint material underwent isothermal testing within a chewing simulator, simulating two-body wear, using distilled water over a consistent number of press cycles. These specimens where fabricated from PMMA using CAD/CAM milling and conventionally vacuum-formed from PET-G. Polished zirconium dioxide served as the material for antagonists. After complete liquid evaporation, particles where visualized by scanning electron microscopy, followed by quantity and size analysis.
Results
Experiments revealed significant releases of abraded micro- and nanoplastics in various sizes and shapes due to occlusal splints wear. Particle evaluation was impacted by agglomeration of small particles, potentially resulting in size overestimation.
Conclusions
This study showed that occlusal splint use leads to the abrasion of micro- and nanoparticles in various sizes and shapes. Further analytical methods are necessary for a detailed particle description, and addressing the issue of agglomeration is crucial for future analysis. By quantifying and characterizing microplastic particles released from occlusal splints, this study addresses gaps in knowledge regarding the health risks associated with microplastic exposure in dentistry.