A qualitative study of experiences and health impacts from COVID-19 pandemic in females wearing orthodontic devices

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact particularly on groups requiring continuous dental treatment or management. This is because they are at a higher risk of infection and transmission during dental procedures.

Objectives: To explore the experience of the health impacts of close-set braces in women and the impact on dentists’  treatment plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology: The study involves 11 key informants with tightly arranged braces, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews until saturation was reached. Data analysis utilized content and thematic analysis techniques.

Results: The experiences on individuals health impacts among female wearing orthodontic devices be concluded into 2 aspects: (1) Health-related impacts, including oral health problems due to prolonged brace wear, such as mouth sores, plaque accumulation, tooth mobility, and tooth loss. Additionally, those affected experienced COVID-19-related symptoms and mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety, due to a lack of planned treatment. (2) Financial impacts emerged as a primary concern for individuals with braces, affecting their ability to support their families and diminishing relationships with friends and family during the pandemic. There was an impact on treatment plans, which revealed deviations from the planned treatment and extended treatment times.

Conclusions: Life planning encompassing physical and mental wellbeing, financial management, and welfare support may be a potential solution to address the challenges. This could significantly reduce the impact on dental treatment plans, providing dentists with more manageable scenarios.