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Making orthodontics more environmentally friendly


The issues facing the environment and the world we all share don’t just affect each and every one of us, but will also impact future generations to come. As such, taking steps to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable has never been more important.

At Total Orthodontics, we know that we can do more when it comes to making positive changes and creating a better orthodontics industry for all. That’s why we’re initiating change and taking steps towards creating more ecologically-sound practices, as every positive action lays the foundation for a greener tomorrow.

A woman stands outside by a brick wall with green bushes in the background, holding a collection of clear plastic bottle clutched in her arms

Stepping towards sustainability

It’s still early days when it comes to creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly dentistry. However, our leadership team and practice managers have been working hard to bring more sustainable strategies into the heart of what we do.

Several of our Total Orthodontics practices already run on renewable energy, and this is something we’re looking to continue promoting and implementing up and down the country. It’s a key step towards making Total Orthodontics more eco-conscious; dentistry and orthodontics uses a lot of energy day in, day out, and switching to greener energy sources is an important aspect of our sustainable plan.

Even small changes can make a big difference to the sustainability of our practices. We’re currently ensuring that all of our practices use only LED lighting across the board, significantly reducing the amount of energy required to keep treatment rooms and waiting areas brightly lit.

Cutting waste with innovative approaches

Waste - especially plastic and paper waste - has long been a significant issue when it comes to the green credentials of dentistry. Addressing the amount of waste created by dental practices has been central to our sustainability plans, and it’s a topic which has presented plenty of challenges over the years.

Thanks to the arrival of digital technology and communications, we can make great strides towards slashing waste at our orthodontic practices.

One of the most significant steps forward has been the introduction of intra-oral scanners at Total Orthodontics. Not only are these remarkable devices transforming the accuracy needed for more effective braces, aligners and more, they also do away with the alginate and plaster waste previously created by traditional impression-making. What’s more, as they don’t require moulds to be sent away to laboratories off-site, they reduce our carbon footprint too.

We’re also making excellent progress with digitising our everyday tasks and communications. Patient letters, registration forms, consent forms and treatment plans are now primarily being sent electronically, meaning a considerable reduction in our reliance on paper.

Proud to make a difference

Helping the communities we share and the environment we rely on isn’t just about making sure best practices are put in place; it’s about making a change any way we can, and providing support to the organisations making a real difference in the world.

Our professionals at Total Orthodontics across other Bupa brands also stepped their way to raising funds this year with the Healthy Cities challenge. This charity initiative raised £750,000 for community and environmental projects, by encouraging people to walk a minimum of 6,000 steps per day.

This challenge wasn’t just a brilliant way to improve personal health and fitness and reduce reliance on cars, it also raised awareness of several fantastic eco-conscious projects in cities across the UK.


Simple actions for sustainability

We’ve all got a part to play when it comes to being more sustainable. Simply making small changes to our daily habits - including those involving our oral health or our teeth straightening journey - can help create a greener future for all.

  • When brushing your teeth, cleaning your braces or aligners, or using your interdental brushes on your braces, don’t leave the tap running. It’s said that by turning off the tap when following your oral health routine, you can save up to 24 litres of water per day!

  • If your Total Orthodontics practice is accessible by bus or train, consider using this eco-friendly mode of transport instead. Even better, ride your bike or walk to your appointments.

  • Let your orthodontist know you’d prefer electronic communication only. By reducing the reliance on paper - whether appointment cards, letters or consent forms – we can improve our sustainable approaches in practice.

  • Look for eco-friendly dental and orthodontic products. There are more and more products on the market with sustainable, fairtrade and eco credentials, and this includes dental health products like floss, interdental brushes, toothbrushes and more. Keep an eye out for more sustainable choices and reduce your reliance on single-use plastics where possible.

    • Keen to find out more about what Total Orthodontics is doing to improve our sustainability practices? Follow us on Facebook for updates.

    Our team would love to hear from you and is ready to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Get in touch today and find out what Total Orthodontics can do for you.

    Contact us

    Our orthodontists

    Beckenham

    Belfast

    Belfast Ormeau Road

    Brighton

    Cockermouth

    Cranbrook

    Crawley

    Crewe

    Eastbourne Upperton Road

    Harrogate

    Haywards Heath

    Hull

    Kidderminster

    Lewisham

    Macclesfield

    Maidenhead

    Maidstone

    Sevenoaks

    Sheffield

    Stockport

    Sutton Coldfield

    Tonbridge

    Tunbridge Wells

    Uckfield

    Warrington

    Wakefield

    Windsor

    *Form Terms and conditions: 
    1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
    2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
    3. Consultations subject to availability.
    4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.

    Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.