Traditional orthodontic brackets have been the dominant choice in dental care, yet their environmental footprint is frequently ignored. Crafted primarily from stainless steel and nickel alloys, these brackets demand highly energy-intensive mining and processing, which devastates natural ecosystems, pollutes local water supplies, and amplifies global warming. Moreover, the adhesives and archwires used in these systems rely on synthetic hydrocarbons that are rarely accepted by recycling facilities, often becoming persistent waste pollutants.

When the treatment cycle ends, traditional brackets are treated as single-use items. There are no widespread recycling programs for orthodontic waste, meaning nearly all discarded brackets and wires are disposed of as non-hazardous waste, 墨田区 前歯矯正 where they can remain for decades.