Patient and parent opinion of the use of recycled orthodontic brackets: an international comparison.

The aim of this study was to determine the opinion of patients and parents to the use of recycled orthodontic brackets. The design consisted of a questionnaire survey, which took place in the orthodontic departments of two teaching hospitals (Cardiff, Wales, and Dunedin, New Zealand). The subjects were patients (and parents of those under 18 years) undergoing active fixed appliance treatment and similar groups of those on the waiting list for fixed appliance treatment. There were no significant differences of opinion between gender, patient, parent, or centre. There were significant differences of opinion between those under treatment and those on the waiting list; those under treatment were less concerned about wearing recycled brackets than those waiting for treatment. All respondents felt that they should be told if recycled brackets were to be used, and any savings arising from their use passed on to the consumer.