Guidelines of Revised Orthodontic Practices for Establishing "New Normality" Post COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The aim of this article is to shed light upon formulation of new guidelines of revised orthodontic practices in the post-pandemic era caused due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and also to adapt to the new regulations to prevent further spread of infection. All relevant information pertaining to the area of concern was collected using electronic databases which include Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, orthodontic journals, and health bodies such World Health Organization, the British Orthodontic Society, and the National Institute of Health. Post-pandemic visionary was also contemplated. Data collected through the electronic databases were studied and compiled to provide an overview of the possible modifications which could be employed to prevent crosscontamination during and after the orthodontic therapy in the -post-pandemic era. Refashioning of the dental set-up along with the formulation of new regulations have been elucidated. This review highlights that the post-pandemic orthodontic practice is a divergent layout requiring tedious clinical and environmental modifications. New categorization of patients requiring orthodontic treatments and procedural classification based on generation of aerosol must be taken into consideration. Formulation of new regulations and redesigning the clinical set-up is crucial yet essential.

Figure 1.

Guidelines to be followed based on patient categorization

Figure 2.

Pre-orthodontic preparation protocols

Figure 3.

Modified orthodontic procedural management

Figure 4.

Post-orthodontic clean-up