The Environmental Impact of Clear Aligner Treatment

Discreet treatment

While its functionality is similar to that of traditional braces, clear aligners differ noticeably in appearance as they are nearly indetectable, making them an optimal choice for patients regardless of their age.

Comfort

The plastic trays are fitted smoothly eliminating metal brackets and wires associated with other weird and discomfort feelings.

Removable trays

The fact that clear aligners permit eating without taking them off, as well as brushing and flossing, empowers consumers to take care of their teeth during treatment.

That resulting regiment of demand, in turn, implies the key issue of plastic waste produced. Each time a set of clear aligners is changed every month or two weeks, plastic waste accumulates, causing a high amount of landfill for the treatment, which can take about two years.

Plastic usage

The largest proportion of clear aligners are produced today from several types of plastic, one of very few non-biodegradable materials. This plastic goes to the landfills and it would take a hundred years to decompose and probably leak harmful chemicals into the environment through soil and water.

Manufacturing process

The operations of clear aligner manufacturing as an energy-intensive process are a significant energy guzzler, producing greenhouse gasses which in turn accelerate climate change.

Packaging

Many shippers of clear aligners use an excessive amount of packaging materials like cardboard boxes and plastic which, in turn, increases the garbage burden.

Quantification of clear aligner environmental impact is a subject of ongoing investigation, and this topic is quite sensitive as this kind of pollution can get into ecosystems and damage them.

Here are some of the potential environmental consequences to consider:

Plastic pollution in landfills

The amount of plastic waste in landfills we already have would increase with the increasing number of littered clear aligners. This plastic might be able to degrade for hundreds of years into the soil and groundwater a chemical which will be perceived as harmful.

Harm to marine life

It has been scientifically proven that plastic waste from landfills can pollute water pages thereby putting the lives of marine organisms at the highest risk.

Seabirds and marine mammals may consider polyethylene bags a feed by taking them in their mouths, or others may end up ingesting cosmetics or other toiletries from plastics, thereby leading to entanglement, internal injuries, and even death.

Microplastics

Through time, plastic assumes the form of micro fragments referred to as microplastics that are smaller and smaller as the process continues.

These microplastics can get inside the food chain which can be a cause of health issues in humans and destroy the ecosystem.

Biodegradable materials

Studies are being conducted to design aligners from vegetable origin or other biodegradable materials. Though not yet widespread, these developments represent an environmentally friendly alternative for the future.

Recycling programs

While some clear aligner companies have started take-back programs to collect used aligners and look into recycling options;

Reduced packaging

Companies are looking for ways to minimize the use of packaging materials by using recycled cardboard or choosing smaller, more efficient packaging alternatives.

Besides, the consumers also assume a significant part in enhancing sustainable approaches in the field of clear aligners.

• Search for businesses that are aggressively involved in the development of biodegradable materials, have recycling programs, and minimal packaging waste.
• Follow the disposal instructions your clear aligner company gives you. Certain brands might develop their trade-back programs, so ask about them.
• Depending on your misalignment level, metal braces could be the most eco-friendly choice in some cases

Sustainable Material Exploration

Being a pioneer, SmilePath is an avid observer of the utilization of biocompatible and possibly degradable materials in its clear aligners.

Our current use of medical-grade plastic to fulfill the objective of effectiveness and safety is just for the short term. Nevertheless, we are determined to discover new environment-friendly solutions for the future.

Reduced Packaging

SmilePath prioritizes minimalistic packaging. For our aligner shipping boxes, we purposefully source recycled cardboard and strive to use minimal plastic within the package itself.

At-Home Impression Kit

SmilePath provides an at-home impression kit which saves you from frequent clinic appointments and travels and, as a result, reduces its surrounding environment impact by the latter.

Free Assessment

We realize that your clear aligner treatment enforcement is going to need your commitment. SmilePath is offering free assessment to ensure that you sign up for the right treatment option to meet your smile needs.