Abstract

Environmental Impact and the Health of our Orthodontic Patients: we cannot ignore them

by Lee Bryce

We examine how orthodontic materials like resin composites, clear aligners, and stainless steel contribute to pollution through microparticles and chemical release, we also address huge topics like energy consumption, our carbon footprints and waste management. I would like to underscore the urgent global need for environmental responsibility and the development of eco-friendly practices across various sectors, including healthcare. They collectively present a call to action for innovation, collaboration, and the implementation of sustainable strategies to mitigate environmental harm. We also look at the potential biological harm orthodontic products have directly on our patients. What are the long term effects of the chemicals that leach into our patients’ oral cavity? Are we being professionally ethical in our treatment materials the we use? We need to explore and analyse the way we practice orthodontics for the sake of the health of both our planet and our patients. I would also like to touch on AI. On how it can be used to our benefit in order to mitigate some of these issues we face. Is AI a help or can it be a hinderance?

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to understand how the environment is affect by orthodontics
After this lecture, you will be able to realise that orthodontics has a biological impact on our patient's health
After this lecture, you will be able to be more aware of the harm we can do for the planet and our patients