There are so many positive aspects of orthodontic treatment. Braces improve oral health, overall well-being, appearance, and confidence. What’s not to like? There is one thing about orthodontics, though, that can raise a few concerns and that revolves around its impact on the environment. Due to the materials and energy used plus the generation of waste, the effect on the planet has long been one negative to an overall positive industry. Fortunately, as time has gone on more research and commitment has been poured into improving the eco-friendliness of orthodontics. Today, there have been many improvements in sustainability and green practices that aim to reduce the harm to the environment. 

How Orthodontics Is Evolving For The Environment 

Traditional orthodontics have relied on materials and processes that don’t have the planet’s best interests in mind. The negative environmental impact of orthodontic treatment comes from:

• Single-use plastic waste
• Non-recyclable materials 
• High energy consumption and a large carbon footprint from the acquiring of materials needed to create braces. 
• Chemical waste

These practices have long been the standard, but luckily the industry is making a shift to evolve toward more sustainable choices. 

Recyclable Materials

Companies are putting in the work to create more environmentally friendly products. For example, Invisalign aligners are now created out of recyclable medical-grade plastic that can be recycled after use, reducing both waste and its carbon footprint. Additionally, they have begun using eco-friendly packaging while utilizing more efficient manufacturing methods. 

When it comes to traditional metal braces, it has become a more widespread practice to recycle brackets after use. Some companies even sterilize and remanufacture brackets to offer a more eco-friendly - and more affordable - treatment option. Recycled materials also limit the need for sourcing new metal from the earth. 

New brands are also leading the movement toward a more sustainable orthodontic experience by utilizing plant-based plastics, biodegradable options, and BPA-free recyclable materials. 

3D Printing

The emergence of 3D printing capabilities has helped reduce waste in the world of orthodontics. Being able to custom-create aligners and braces with exact specifications lowers the amount of material excess that gets tossed in the trash.  

Digital Impressions

The ability to provide digital impressions offers a more accurate depiction of the inside of a patient's mouth while eliminating the need for the disposable materials used in traditional impressions.

Office Practices

Dental offices have made changes in the way day-to-day operations work to improve the impact on the planet. This looks like switching to LED lighting, implementing paperless records, reducing water usage, and choosing more environmentally friendly supplies. 

Alternative Options

While not yet the industry norm, more sustainable orthodontic treatment options are emerging all the time. Bio-composite braces are made from biodegradable materials such as cellulose acetate, wood cellulose, and cellulose acetate butyrate. 

Seek Out Sustainable Options at Full Smile Orthodontics 

The team at Full Smile Orthodontics cares about our patients’ health and happiness, and that includes the environment in which they live. We’re committed to exploring more sustainable practices to lessen the impact of orthodontics on the planet. We would be happy to help you explore environment-friendly orthodontic options or discuss how our office is committed to ensuring we’re working toward a healthier planet while we’re bringing patients in the Texas panhandle healthier smiles. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!