Squires Orthodontics is proud to be at the forefront of new orthodontic technology to create a happier, greener future.
When most people think about orthodontics, they think about making teeth straighter with braces or clear aligners. They’re not usually thinking about the materials, science, and technology behind orthodontic care. At Squires Orthodontics, I’ve always loved the intersection of orthodontics, technology, engineering, and long-term health, and one of my favorite parts about my profession is that it never stops evolving.
In my opinion, some of the most interesting conversations happening in orthodontics right now have less to do with brackets and wires and more to do with what those appliances are actually made from. Over the last few years, there’s been a growing discussion in healthcare about plastics, sustainability, microplastics, and the future of biomaterials.
That’s why I am extremely excited to be participating in a clinical trial with GT Smiles, a company developing plant-based alternatives to traditional orthodontic plastics. Currently, Squires Orthodontics is the only orthodontic office in New York testing this material.
What Is GT Smiles Doing?
GT Smiles created a material called GT FLEX® GREEN, which is designed for oral appliances like retainers, aligners, and night guards. The difference between this and traditional materials is that GT FLEX® GREEN uses plant-based and biological-based materials rather than traditional petroleum-based plastics.
GT FLEX® GREEN is BPA-free, latex-free, phthalate-free, industrially compostable, and designed for biocompatibility with the mouth. This means it’s suitable for all types of applications. What really caught my attention was that the material still performs like a traditional plastic; it’s durable, flexible, clear, comfortable, and stable enough to function properly wear after wear.
What’s Fascinating About GT Smiles?
One thing I appreciated while learning more about GT Smiles is that their vision goes beyond simply creating a “green product.” Instead, they’re trying to rethink the future of dental materials entirely.
Traditionally, most dental plastics have been petroleum-based. GT Smiles is exploring whether future orthodontic appliances could move toward renewable, plant-derived alternatives while still maintaining the strength, clarity, and performance needed for real clinical use. While this idea is very ambitious, it’s also the sort of innovation I want to explore at Squires Orthodontics.
What Patients Are Curious About
Over the last several years, I’ve noticed more patients and parents around Rochester and Pittsford, NY asking thoughtful questions about orthodontic healthcare. They’re not just asking questions about how teeth straightening works, but they’re also asking about what materials the appliances are made from, if there are BPA-free options, and if there are treatments that are more environmentally-conscious.
To me, this curiosity is heading in a really positive direction. Orthodontics has always evolved through innovation directed towards bettering the patient’s experience and suiting their needs.There’s growing interest in how healthcare products are made and how future technologies may become more sustainable, especially for many health-conscious and holistic-minded families.
How Orthodontics Has Changed Over Time
Most people still picture orthodontics the way it looked 20 years ago, but modern orthodontics is incredibly digital and high-tech. At our Pittsford, NY orthodontic office, we use digital scanners instead of messy impressions, low-radiation 3D imaging technology, digital treatment planning, customized aligner systems, and modern smile design concepts that simply didn’t exist when I was a patient myself.
Even 10 years ago, hardly anyone was talking about AI-assisted orthodontic planning, 3D printed appliances, airway-focused orthodontics, customized aligners, or sustainable dental materials. Now, all of those conversations are happening at the same time, and it’s incredibly exciting.
The Future of Orthodontics
If you walked into an orthodontic office 25 years ago and described today’s technology to the doctor, they would probably think it was impossible. Now, however, it’s a new normal. I think some of the most exciting advancements in orthodontics over the next decade may not just involve software or imaging, but the actual materials we orthodontists use every single day.
Nobody knows exactly where it’s all heading yet, but I do know this: the future of orthodontics is going to belong to practices that continue learning, evolving, and staying curious.
Personally, I think that the future of orthodontics is shaping up to be pretty exciting.
Join Squires Orthodontics Towards a Better Future
If you’re interested in becoming a member of our futuristic Squires Orthodontics family, schedule your consultation today. I look forward to both the future of orthodontics and your future at our orthodontic practice in Pittsford!