Sir, we are writing to address the concern raised by Al-Hashimi1 regarding the carbon emissions associated with clear aligner (CA), an increasingly popular orthodontic therapy.
The use of CA presents a notable challenge, owing to its reliance on petroleum-derived thermoplastic hydrocarbons. These substances are nondegradable and environmentally detrimental when subjected to incineration. Furthermore, their categorisation as medical waste renders them unsuitable for conventional recycling.2
Climate change is an undeniable global concern, with experts warning that its progress may exceed the initial projections. As professionals in the field of dentistry, we face significant deliberations regarding our ability to initiate positive change.3
Fortunately, a solution has emerged in the form of the Spotlight Oral Care Aligners Recycling Initiative, established in collaboration with the specialised recycling enterprise TerraCycle.4 This initiative allows the recycling of both aligners and their packaging, representing a commendable advancement in mitigating the environmental impact of such orthodontic therapies.
Additionally, each dental clinic had an opportunity to participate in this programme. Patients are advised to bring their aligners to dental practice, either during their next appointment or when they are nearby. They can then deposit aligners in the designated recycling receptacle at no cost.
References
Al-Hashimi R. Plastic waste with clear aligner therapy. Br Dent J 2023; 235: 763.
Kibria M G, Masuk N I, Safayet R, Nguyen H Q, Mourshed M. Plastic waste: challenges and opportunities to mitigate pollution and effective management. Int J Environ Res 2023; doi: 10.1007/s41742-023-00507-z.
Batsford H, Shah S, Wilson G J. A changing climate and the dental profession. Br Dent J 2022; 232: 603-606.
TerraCycle. National Recycling Programs - Press. Available at: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/pages/nrp-press (accessed February 2024).
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Veseli, E., Veseli, K. & Behluli, E. Recyclable aligners. Br Dent J 236, 360 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-024-7194-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-024-7194-1
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