Web‐based information on orthodontic clear aligners: a qualitative and readability assessment

Abstract

Background Data regarding the quality of information (QOI) related to orthodontic clear aligners (OCAs) on the internet are lacking. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the quality and readability of websites providing information regarding OCAs to prospective patients. Methods Three search terms were entered separately into three search engines. Four validated QOI instruments were used to determine the QOI and readability of the content contained within the websites that satisfied predetermined criteria. Descriptive statistical analyses and intrarater testing for DISCERN scores were calculated. Results Forty‐nine websites satisfied inclusion/exclusion criteria. General dentists (44.9%) and specialist orthodontists (26.5%) authored the majority of websites. One website contained the Health on the Net (HON) code seal. Cohen’s kappa for DISCERN scores was good (0.87). The overall mean (SD) DISCERN score was 38.55 (8.00)/80, range 26–60. The websites authored by ‘Direct‐to‐consumer’ OCA providers recorded the lowest DISCERN mean score (33/80). One website contained all four Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks. The mean (SD) Flesch Reading Ease score was 53.92 (9.08), range 36–82.5. Conclusions The QOI of the website content related to OCAs is poor and is ‘fairly difficult’ to read. Website authors should consider using QOI instruments and readability tools to enable the delivery of evidence‐based and easily readable information regarding OCAs to prospective patients.

Information on the Internet about clear aligner treatment—an assessment of content, quality, and readability

“…For this reason, it may be more useful to evaluate the results with additional instruments. In our study, only four websites had the HONcode seal (4/111; 3.6%), which was more than in previous studies about adult orthodontics [30] and CAT [32], but much lower than in a recent study about periodontal diseases [24]. In addition, all websites with HONcode certification belonged to professional organizations.…”

“…This was comparable to not only the number of evaluated websites in previous studies but also the real online search behavior of a potential patient K [30,32]. Together with the exclusion criteria, our search strategy was very similar to previous studies [4,31,32]. The display of the HONcode seal on a medical website can be regarded as meaning it presents understandable, accessible, and reliable information.…”

An assessment of the treatment information contained within the websites of direct‐to‐consumer orthodontic aligner providers

“…39,40 It is similar to the mean overall DISCERN score of 33 related to the websites of four DTC orthodontic aligner providers in a study assessing the quality of information regarding clear orthodontic aligners provided by a variety of online authors. 24 It is, however, less than the DISCERN scores of 36.3-65.7 found in studies which have investigated the quality of online information related to orthodontic treatment modalities, adult orthodontics, lingual orthodontics, orthodontic temporary Quality of DTC aligner provider websites anchorage devices, ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnoea. 4,5,7,39,41,42 The variation in mean scores for individual DISCERN items indicated that some aspects of content reliability and the quality of information regarding treatment choices were better addressed than others.…”

“…27 The search strategy involved the three most commonly used search engines worldwide and search terms used in a similar study. 24 The intention of the strategy was to identify and evaluate as many DTC aligner providers as possible. The high number of replicated websites indicated that search engine preference made little difference to the results of the search terms used.…”

“…23 A recent investigation found that the online information related to orthodontic clear aligners was deficient. 24 That study, however, related to a strategy which involved a direct search for websites provided by a wide variety of authors.…”