In the world of dental care, cosmetic dentistry has been enhancing smiles for decades. But it’s only recently that cosmetic dentistry has started to marry effectiveness with environmental sustainability. This shift is no mere trend, but an industry-wide movement acknowledging the urgent need for sustainable practices.
Being part of this movement, Dr. Kelley Mingus, a Bend, Oregon-based dentist, leads the charge with a keen focus on sustainable cosmetic dentistry practices.
Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry
Before we jump into sustainability, let’s outline what cosmetic dentistry is about. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses any dental work that improves the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. The procedures include:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental veneers
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
Why Environmental Sustainability Matters
While cosmetic dentistry is crucial to boosting confidence and self-esteem, its environmental footprint cannot be ignored. Traditional dental materials like mercury, plastic oral care products, and hazardous waste generated by outdated practices have significant environmental implications.
Mercury in Dental Fillings
Mercury in dental fillings creates a threat when not disposed of properly. When mercury-containing fillings are discarded, they can cause mercury pollution in the air, land, and water.
Plastic Waste in Dentistry
Plastic waste is another significant issue. Disposable, single-use plastic products in dental practices contribute heavily to plastic waste, which takes hundreds of years to degrade.
Hazardous Waste in Dentistry
Old practices generate bio-hazardous waste, which threatens both human and environmental health when not managed correctly.
Sustainable Practices in Cosmetic Dentistry
Thanks to dentists like Dr. Mingus, sustainable solutions are coming to the forefront. These changes involve more than just recycling and shifts in behavior; they are deeply rooted changes in how the field operates.
Mercury-Free Practices
To reduce the risk of mercury pollution, practices are shifting to mercury-free alternatives for dental fillings. What’s more, appropriate disposal and recycling methods are being used to handle removed mercury fillings.
Reducing Plastic Waste
Dental practices are cutting down on single-use plastic items and shifting toward reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
Making Dental Office Operations Green
Many dental offices, like that of Dr. Mingus, are integrating green measures into daily operations, such as energy-saving appliances, recycling programs, and electronic charting systems to replace paper files.
Training and Knowledge Sharing
Beyond implementing sustainable practices, sharing knowledge on environmental sustainability within the dental community is also critical. Ensuring that staff and patients understand the importance of these sustainable practices continues to be a focal point.
In Conclusion
The effort to make cosmetic dentistry more sustainable is a constant journey of learning, innovating, and making thoughtful choices. In the pursuit of healthier smiles and a healthier planet, every small step counts.
Ready to meet Dr. Mingus and start your journey toward your ideal smile? Give our office a call today.