A study of the COVID-19 pandemic's knowledge and impact on ongoing fixed orthodontic treatment in adults

BACKGROUND: Due to the characteristics of dental practices and hospitals, all dental professionals, including orthodontists, are at an elevated peril of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If adequate safety actions are not taken, cross-contamination risk among dentists, orthodontists, and patients can be extremely high. For orthodontic patients, a high level of cognizance and consideration of the COVID-19 epidemic is required. The goal of this study was to assess adult patients' knowledge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its impact on their continuing fixed orthodontic treatment. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional in addition to a descriptive survey of 100 adult patients enduring fixed orthodontic treatment was done. All of the candidates were over the age of 18 years and were in lockdown due to the COVID-19 epidemic, with no therapy available. RESULTS: Among the patients, 35% were male and 65% were female; 22.3% were unaware that the COVID-19 virus unfurls speedily in a dental setting; 64.8% were unquestionably keen to disclose their status and undertake pretreatment screening; 71.3% were undeniably prepared to stick to stringent appointment timings for passable sanitization of the clinical area; 70% believed that skipping appointments all through the COVID-19 pandemic would be costly; 70% believed that skipping appointments during the pandemic would prolong the treatment; and 59% thought of financial burden. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 cross-infection was not known to all adult orthodontic patients. The vast majority were aware of the situation and eager to follow infection-prevention guidelines. COVID-19 had a psychological and financial impact on patients' perceptions of overall orthodontic therapy.