What can I do to prevent my child from getting orthodontic materials which have been previously in someone elses mouth?
Talk to your orthodontist about your concerns. Most orthodontists will not use “recycled” materials (materials that have already been used in a previous patient’s mouth) without your consent. Read carefully any consent forms that your orthodontist asks you to sign. If your orthodontist discloses that he uses recycled materials, he is usually not saying that he is recycling paper. Instead he is probably “recycling” orthodontic materials from one patients mouth to the next. In such a case, you need to be especially sure that your child is getting materials that are fresh and clean. Also, be very careful with “managed care” plans. Many managed care plans are priced low assuming that the orthodontist will not have to buy any new orthodontic materials for your child. Instead, it is assumed that the orthodontist will reuse materials that he has taken out of another patient’s mouth. If you have a “managed care” dental plan, talk very carefully with the plan administrator to make sure that the
Related Questions
- I have heard that some orthodontists take orthodontic materials out of one patients mouth and then "recycle" the orthodontic materials to another patients mouth. How prevalent is "recycling" of orthodontic materials and is it dangerous?
- What can I do to prevent my child from getting orthodontic materials which have been previously in someone elses mouth?
- What can I do to prevent me from getting orthodontic materials which have been previously in someone elses mouth?
