A recent study conducted at the School of Dentistry, Trinity College Dublin, has examined the environmental effects of fabricating complete dentures using two popular methods in dental laboratories: traditional impressions and intra-oral scanning. The research team, led by Alison Rosenblatt and including several other researchers, aimed to find out which technique has a smaller environmental footprint.
The study compared the entire life cycle of both processes, from the materials used to the energy consumed and waste produced. Traditional impressions require physical molds and several materials, while intra-oral scanning uses digital technology to capture images of patients’ mouths, reducing the need for some materials. By assessing each step, researchers were able to pinpoint where environmental impacts occur and how they could be reduced.
Data collection for the investigation included documenting material usage, energy requirements, and the waste produced during each process. The team reviewed and analyzed these factors to understand their contributions to the overall environmental effect. The findings highlight areas where dental laboratories can make adjustments to lessen their environmental harm, such as by using digital methods more often and managing waste efficiently.
The study also involved formal analysis and validation to ensure the data was accurate and trustworthy. Every member of the research team contributed to different stages of the project, including data gathering, method development, documentation, and supervision. Their collaborative efforts helped provide a clear picture of how each denture fabrication method impacts the environment.
Through this research, experts hope to encourage dental laboratories to consider more eco-friendly practices. As digital technology becomes more accessible, choosing intra-oral scanning may offer environmental benefits compared to traditional techniques. The results of the study suggest that changing how dentures are made could help dental practices reduce their ecological footprint and support sustainability within the healthcare sector.
Tags: dentures