With COVID-19 declared as a worldwide pandemic, a nationwide lockdown was implemented overnight in India on March 24, 2020. With no prior warning or anticipation, patient appointments were temporarily ceased as institutions and clinics were indefinitely closed. To our knowledge, no study addresses the orthodontic patient perspective in such testing times, where they are entirely restricted to the confines of their homes. Aim: To assess the impact of the COVID-19-related lockdown on the treatment and psychology of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Material and methods: A self-designed online exploratory questionnaire of 15 questions was distributed to 500 potential responders selected from obtained lists through messages and emails. It was mandatory to answer all questions and the survey was anonymized and did not contain any identifying information. Online consent was taken before participation in the study. The obtained data were evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The response rate was 81.6%. The study revealed that the majority of patients were affected by the lack of access to orthodontic visits. The reasons for the same were attributed to fear of increased treatment duration, inconveniences caused by poking wires, broken brackets, etc., and lack of communication between the orthodontists and patients, among the various other reasons. The importance of orthodontic appointments was also understood by patients. Conclusion: The study threw light on the essential need for understanding the psychology of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. In any situation where patients do not have access to seek help, all the factors discussed in the study should be considered and it is of utmost importance that orthodontic professionals see to it that their patients are being looked after mentally, if not physically, in whatever way possible.

An operator often finds it hard to assess the ideal timing to start angulating the driver while placing infrazygomatic crest screws. Thus, we have designed a simple system to guide the operator to know exactly when the angulation of the driver should be started for the ideal placement of the IZC screw. The components of the system include the calculation of the amount of tissue that needs to be pierced perpendicularly and the fabrication of an indicator device over the implant driver with a stainless steel wire. Hence, using this system, the proper timing for angulation can be obtained, thus improving the accuracy of placement.

There is no single bracket gauge that can be used universally for all teeth to orient brackets in the vertical and axial planes simultaneously. To overcome the increased armamentarium and steps involved in accurately positioning brackets, we have modified a UNC-15 probe to fabricate a multipurpose bracket positioning tool (MBP tool). Thus, one single instrument can be used not only to position brackets (both anterior and posterior) in all planes but also for the quick verification of positioned brackets just before curing.

The crimpable hook is a widely accepted tool onto which active elements can be fixed to aid in orthodontic tooth movement. This clinical pearl aims at showing the different ways in which crimpable hooks can be used to better orthodontic treatment mechanics, which are Crimpable hooks used for buccolingual force mechanics and Crimpable hooks used in conjunction with orthodontic miniscrews. The above-mentioned simple methods aim to facilitate and make easy the attachment of force elements for various kinds of tooth movements. It can help the operator to save time, prevent unwanted side effects of forces, as well as reduce the need for ligature wires for the attachment of force systems onto implant heads or lingual sheaths.