Environmental footprints in orthodontics: The World Federation of Orthodontists' white paper on sustainable practices, challenges and research imperatives.
{"title":"Environmental footprints in orthodontics: The World Federation of Orthodontists' white paper on sustainable practices, challenges and research imperatives.","authors":"Theodore Eliades, Samar M Adel, Akyalçin Sercan, Phimon Atsawasuwan, Kelvin Wc Foong, Anastasia Hiskia, Nearchos Panayi, Nikolaos Silikas, Allareddy Veerasathpurush, Adith Venugopal, Aron Dellinger, Letizia Perillo, Nikhillesh Vaiid","doi":"10.1016/j.ejwf.2025.06.003","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) white paper addresses the escalating environmental impact of orthodontic practices, synthesizing expert perspectives on sustainable transformation. The paper critically evaluates the environmental footprints associated with orthodontic materials, energy consumption, and waste management across diverse global settings. It examines the impact of both traditional and emerging digital technologies, highlighting the challenges of material selection, recycling limitations, and energy-intensive procedures. Recommendations focus on adopting eco-friendly materials, minimizing resource consumption, promoting responsible waste disposal, and integrating digital workflows to improve efficiency. It emphasizes the need for standardized guidelines and collaborative efforts among orthodontists, researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers to achieve a more sustainable future for the profession. The discussions in this manuscript delve into various aspects, including material use, waste management, and potential avenues for sustainable transformation of orthodontic practices. The goal is to foster a collective commitment to reducing the environmental impact of orthodontics, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.</p>","PeriodicalId":43456,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6000,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejwf.2025.06.003","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE","Score":null,"Total":0}
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Abstract
This World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) white paper addresses the escalating environmental impact of orthodontic practices, synthesizing expert perspectives on sustainable transformation. The paper critically evaluates the environmental footprints associated with orthodontic materials, energy consumption, and waste management across diverse global settings. It examines the impact of both traditional and emerging digital technologies, highlighting the challenges of material selection, recycling limitations, and energy-intensive procedures. Recommendations focus on adopting eco-friendly materials, minimizing resource consumption, promoting responsible waste disposal, and integrating digital workflows to improve efficiency. It emphasizes the need for standardized guidelines and collaborative efforts among orthodontists, researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers to achieve a more sustainable future for the profession. The discussions in this manuscript delve into various aspects, including material use, waste management, and potential avenues for sustainable transformation of orthodontic practices. The goal is to foster a collective commitment to reducing the environmental impact of orthodontics, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.