Abstract
Fixed orthodontic treatment has been compromised at many levels during the pandemic period, as clinics underwent a prolonged lockdown and patients could not be treated regularly. With the end of the pandemic nowhere in sight, may be it is time to put newer tools, such as clear aligner therapy, for better use. Fixed orthodontic appliances by nature are not always self-limiting, which, if left unmonitored over a long period may cause undesirable side effects, pain, and discomfort. The undesired tooth movements that may occur with arch wire-guided mechanics in addition to problems with cut wires or removed brackets may be minimized with the use of aligners. While the benefits of using aligners are for all to see, they do require extensive planning and careful evaluation of the progress. This article reviews the advantages of using aligners during the pandemic period and how it can be beneficial in helping orthodontists resume their practice.
Highlights
Fixed orthodontic treatment has been compromised at many levels during the pandemic period, as clinics underwent a prolonged lockdown and patients could not be treated regularly
Fixed orthodontic appliances by nature are not always self-limiting, which, if left unmonitored over a long period may cause undesirable side effects, pain, and discomfort. e undesired tooth movements that may occur with arch wire-guided mechanics in addition to problems with cut wires or removed brackets may be minimized with the use of aligners
At the beginning of this year, one could not have predicted that the entire world and life as we know it would come to a standstill. e COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread damage to both life and property unlike any other. e aggressive nature of this virus has made containment a difficult task, and the increasing number of people getting infected by this virus is an example of the ease with which it has spread across the globe [1]
Summary
At the beginning of this year, one could not have predicted that the entire world and life as we know it would come to a standstill. e COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread damage to both life and property unlike any other. e aggressive nature of this virus has made containment a difficult task, and the increasing number of people getting infected by this virus is an example of the ease with which it has spread across the globe [1]. At the beginning of this year, one could not have predicted that the entire world and life as we know it would come to a standstill. E aggressive nature of this virus has made containment a difficult task, and the increasing number of people getting infected by this virus is an example of the ease with which it has spread across the globe [1]. While connectivity has been the cornerstone of many businesses throughout the world, it has been one of the main reasons this virus has been able to spread across countries with such ease [2]. A recent study conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center demonstrated that this virus is transmissible via direct contact as well as by means of fomites [3]. Contact transmission may occur from inanimate object surfaces or from one individual to another or even airborne transmission if two individuals are in proximity by means of droplets. is is the reason why dentists including orthodontists are at great risk of contracting this infection during various clinical procedures such as [4]:
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