Patient perspectives on challenges in orthodontic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from an online cross-sectional survey in Poland

Introduction: The global healthcare landscape has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the changes and challenges experienced by orthodontic patients in Poland during this unprecedented time.Materials and methods: An anonymous online survey conducted through Google Forms reached 205 orthodontic patients in Poland. Statistical analyses, including Fisher’s exact test, were used to explore relationships between variables, and the strength of associations was measured using Cramer’s V. Results: The primary concerns among patients were heightened treatment costs and extended duration, rather than the fear of infection during orthodontic visits. Nearly all respondents (96.6%) relied on phone calls for communication with their orthodontic offices. Among the participants, 65% reported experiencing appliance failures, predominantly bracket issues rather than arch failures. Notably, 72.8% of patients with orthodontic appliance failures felt unable to resolve the problems themselves. The study revealed a significant correlation between patients’ age and adherence to the principle of vaccination (pFisher < 0.05). Approximately 26.3% of participants acknowledged increased muscle tension and headaches during the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, 29.3% strongly agreed and 19% agreed that the pandemic adversely affected their emotional well-being. Surprisingly, over 80% expressed willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment, even with the knowledge of the potential occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic.Conclusions: The study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional health of orthodontic patients in Poland. It provides valuable insights that can inform future strategies for orthodontic care delivery during public health crises.