Clinical orthodontic management during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: To provide a comprehensive summary of the implications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on orthodontic treatment, contingency management, and provision of emergency orthodontic treatment, using currently available data and literature.

Materials and methods: Orthodontically relevant sources of information were searched using electronic databases including PubMed and Google Scholar and current reports from major health bodies such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, and major national orthodontic associations.

Results: Where available, peer-reviewed and more recent publications were given priority. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of COVID-19 and limitations in quality of evidence, a narrative synthesis was undertaken. Relevant to orthodontics, human-to human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs predominantly through the respiratory tract via droplets, secretions (cough, sneeze), and or direct contact, where the virus enters the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, and eyes. The virus can remain stable for days on plastic and stainless steel. Most infected persons experience a mild form of disease, but those with advanced age or underlying comorbidities may suffer severe respiratory and multiorgan complications.

Conclusions: During the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective orthodontic treatment should be suspended and resumed only when permitted by federal, provincial, and local health regulatory authorities. Emergency orthodontic treatment can be provided by following a contingency plan founded on effective communication and triage. Treatment advice should be delivered remotely first when possible, and where necessary, in-person treatment can be performed in a well-prepared operatory following the necessary precautions and infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocol.

Keywords: COVID-19; Dentistry; Orthodontic emergency; Orthodontics; SARS-CoV-2.

Figure 1.

(A) Illustration of the ultrastructure of the coronavirus (Image open source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC; Eckert A, Higgins D); (B) Transmission electron micrograph image of an isolate from the first U.S. case of COVID-19 showing the viral particles (blue) (Image open source: CDC, Bullock HA, Tamim A).

Figure 2.

Incubation, latency, symptomatic, and contagious periods of SARS-CoV-2.