An Outlook on the Significance of Biodegradable Dental Polymers to address Plastic Pollution and promote Environmental Sustainability

Document Type : Review articles/Narrative reviews

Authors

1 Department of Orthodontics, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital.

2 Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue that affects ecosystems worldwide. It is caused by the accumulation of non-biodegradable plastics, which take hundreds of years to degrade, if at all. The dental industry is one of the major contributors to plastic pollution, as it extensively uses acrylic-based polymers such as Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to fabricate various dental appliances. Poly (methyl methacrylate) resin has a wide range of applications in the field of dentistry. Over the years it has gained popularity due to its versatility, economy, ease of use and most importantly, biocompatibility. Poly (methyl methacrylate) is the material of choice for fabrication of various dental appliances. It has been used to fabricate a wide range of dental appliances, including dentures, prostheses for craniofacial defects, orthodontic retainers, and splints. The material has been continuously evolving, and researchers have developed various methods to increase its strength and improve its properties. However, one aspect that has not been given importance to is its non-biodegradable nature. Most dental appliances, after their use, get discarded, and poly (methyl methacrylate) due to its non-biodegradability contaminates the environment for thousands of years as a plastic pollutant. Hence, we propose the development and use of biodegradable alternatives to poly (methyl methacrylate). This article throws light on this imminent issue and stresses upon the consequences of not switching to a biodegradable alternative.

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Ain Shams Dental Journal
Volume 35, Issue 3
September 2024
Pages 408-413

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