Orthodontics Going Green: How Tollgate Orthodontics Is Reducing Waste
Posted on 04/21/2022
Earth Day is a good reminder that even small changes can make a meaningful difference for our environment. At Tollgate Orthodontics, we continue to look for practical ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and make environmentally responsible choices while maintaining the high standards of safety and patient care that orthodontic treatment requires.
Healthcare and orthodontic practices rely on certain single-use materials to protect patients and team members. While eliminating plastics and disposable products completely is not currently possible, there are still many ways an orthodontic office can reduce its environmental footprint.
Going Paperless with Digital Orthodontics
One of the biggest changes we made years ago was transitioning to paperless patient records.
Today, Tollgate Orthodontics uses digital technology throughout the patient experience, including:
- Digital X-rays
- Digital oral scans
- Electronic patient records
- Paperless billing and automatic payments
- Text and email appointment reminders
Digital X-rays and intraoral scanning help reduce the need for traditional films, impression materials, paper records, and other disposable supplies. Electronic communication also helps reduce paper use and the resources associated with mailing appointment reminders and billing statements.
These technologies are convenient for patients and help us run a more efficient orthodontic practice.
Reducing Energy Use in Our Orthodontic Office
We have also taken steps to reduce unnecessary energy consumption throughout our office.
We have converted our lighting to high-efficiency bulbs and reduced the use of lights, computers, heating, and other equipment when the office is closed.
These may seem like simple changes, but conserving energy consistently can have a meaningful impact over time.
Recycling and Choosing More Sustainable Products
Whenever possible, we recycle empty containers and look for products that create less waste.
We also consider compostable or environmentally preferable products when suitable alternatives are available and when they meet the safety and hygiene requirements of an orthodontic practice.
Patient safety will always come first, but sustainability remains an important consideration when we evaluate the products and materials we use.
Recycling Disposable Gloves
One of the challenges facing dental and orthodontic offices is the amount of necessary disposable material generated during patient care.
To help address this, Tollgate Orthodontics partnered with TerraCycle to recycle disposable gloves that would otherwise be sent to a landfill.
Programs like these allow healthcare practices to responsibly manage materials that traditionally have been difficult to recycle.
What About Clear Aligner Recycling?
Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic treatment for many patients, but they also create a unique recycling challenge because patients typically use a series of aligners throughout treatment.
We continue to explore options for responsible clear aligner recycling and other ways to reduce orthodontic waste as appropriate recycling programs become available.
Small Changes Can Make a Difference
No single solution makes an orthodontic office completely waste-free. Instead, meaningful progress comes from continually looking for better ways to operate.
From digital records and digital orthodontic technology to energy conservation and recycling programs, Tollgate Orthodontics remains committed to providing excellent orthodontic care while being thoughtful about our impact on the environment.
Earth Day may bring additional attention to sustainability each April, but caring for our community and our environment is something we can work toward year-round.
If you have questions about orthodontic treatment or the technology we use in our practice, contact Tollgate Orthodontics to learn more.