Aligners from another perspective: Could they be a long-term environmental threat? Problems and potential remedies

Abstract

Annual plastic production worldwide has reached unprecedented levels, whereas the amount of plastic being recycled remains significantly low compared with production rates. This trend is similarly reflected in the use of clear aligners, which are becoming increasingly popular. The purpose of this review, which was one of the topics discussed at the AAO 2023 Winter Conference, is to raise awareness among patients and orthodontists regarding the environmental impact of aligners, assess whether aligners pose a threat to our planet, and propose potential solutions to the existing challenges. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2025;167:256-60)