Original Article
Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 2 | Page : 1-10
Comparative Analysis Of Polymer Leaching From Different Clear Aligners Materials– An In-Vitro Study
Xavier Dhayananth1, Mohamed Nizamuddeen 2, Nitish T N 2, Shahul Hameed Faizee 1, Hemamalini D3, Jyosthna A3
1-Professor, 2-Intern, 3-Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Sathyabama Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, India
Address for Correspondence:
Dr Xavier Dhayananth
Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
Sathyabama Dental College & Hospital,
Chennai, India
E-mail: drxavy@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
AIM: To assess and compare the polymer leaching of various clear aligner materials in an in vitro environment.
METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted on four groups of commercially available clear aligner materials: SmartTrack™, PET-G, Polyurethane, and Photopolymer (n = 5 samples per group). Each material was pulverized using an acrylic bur and immersed in two concentrations of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄): concentrated (0.01 M) and diluted (0.005 M). Polymer leaching was quantified by measuring absorbance using a colorimeter at 525 nm after 24 hours. The outcome parameter assessed was the mean absorbance value (AU), indicating the extent of leaching. Intergroup comparisons were performed using ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s test.
RESULTS: All materials exhibited measurable leaching. In concentrated KMnO₄, SmartTrack showed the least leaching (mean absorbance: 0.078 ± 0.005 AU), significantly lower than PET-G (0.154 ± 0.008 AU, p < 0.001). In diluted KMnO₄, Photopolymer showed the least leaching (0.065 ± 0.006 AU), also significantly lower than PET-G (0.139 ± 0.007 AU, p < 0.001). PET-G consistently exhibited the highest leaching in both solutions (p < 0.001 across comparisons).
CONCLUSION: Clear aligner materials differ significantly in their polymer leaching potential. SmartTrack and Photopolymer materials demonstrated superior leaching resistance compared to PET-G. Material selection plays a critical role in minimizing polymer release and ensuring biocompatibility.
KEY WORDS: Leaching, Aligners, Biocompatibility, Polymers, Toxicity.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
SOURCE OF FUNDING
This research received no external funding.
How to cite this article: Xavier Dhayananth, Mohamed Nizamuddeen, Nitish T N, Shahul Hameed Faizee, Hemamalini D, Jyosthna A. Comparative Analysis Of Polymer Leaching From Different Clear Aligners Materials– An In-Vitro Study. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2025; 16 (2): 1-10.
