Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Different policies and strategies were taken by each affected country to face this pandemic and minimize the number of cases, from partial to complete lockdown, giving that in the absence of a vaccine. The present study was conducted to assess problems faced by orthodontic patients during COVID- 19 pandemic. Materials & Methods: 60 orthodontic patients age ranged 14- 30 years undergoing orthodontic treatment were enrolled and a questionnaire was prepared in the form of google.com/forms which were sent to all participants through watsapp and were asked to respond. Results: Mode of communication was phone call in 62%, SMS in 28% and mail in 10%. 45% were strongly disagree, 20% disagree, 5% were somewhat disagree, 10% were neutral, 7% were somewhat agree, 5% were agree and 8% were strongly agree regarding closing the dental clinics to minimize the spread of COVID-19. 13% patients did not stop visiting Orthodontist whereas 87% had not visited since >2 months. Reason for not visiting orthodontist was clinic was closed by 56%, fear of COVID- 19 spread by 20% and above both by 14%. Problems faced by patient was pricing of wires in 20%, ulcers due to wires in 35% and bracket breakage in 28%. 35% did not communicate, 50% communicated once in a week and 15% once in a month with orthodontist. The difference was non- significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Most patients undergoing treatment were concerned about their restriction to orthodontic clinic visits.