YouTube as a source of information about orthodontic clear aligners

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the content, reliability, and quality of videos about orthodontic clear aligners on YouTube. Materials and Methods Researchers used the Google Trends website to determine that the most frequently used search term for orthodontic clear aligners on the Internet was: “Invisalign.” A search was then conducted on YouTube using the key word “Invisalign.” From the first 140 results, 100 videos were selected for analysis. A 13-point content score was used to classify poor-content and rich-content videos, and the global quality scale (GQS) was used to examine quality of the videos. To evaluate reliability of the information, a five-question scale was used. The Mann-Whitney U-test, χ2 test, and Pearson correlation coefficients were used for statistical evaluations. Results Of the YouTube videos, 33 were classified as rich content and 67 as poor content. Most videos (73%) were uploaded by laypeople, and most uploaders (71%) were women. The most commonly discussed content was instructions (65%), followed by procedure (57%) and pain (52%). Regarding the GQS, most of the videos were evaluated as moderate quality (51%). Compared with the poor-content video group, the rich-content video group had a significantly higher GQS score (P = .004). There was no significant difference between the poor-content and rich-content groups regarding information reliability (P > .05). Conclusions Video content on YouTube relating to aligner orthodontics was generally insufficient. The quality of videos was moderate, but the reliability of information was generally poor. Specialists should refer patients to reliable sources of information.

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

“…'Invisalign TM ' was chosen as comparative search analyses have shown it to be the most frequently used term in searches for OCAs. 28 Adopted exclusion and inclusion criteria were broadly similar to comparable studies. Many studies, however, have excluded the websites of dental professionals and focused on those that were 'purely informative'.…”

“…HON is a not-for-profit foundation, established to promote the delivery of quality health information on the internet. 28 A set of eight criteria has been determined which websites containing health information must satisfy in order to acquire the HONcode certification. The authors of the website must apply to the Foundation to permit use of the seal.…”

Aesthetic evaluation of the need for orthodontic treatment – Perception among university students

“…On that basis, subjective pressure on aesthetics is a very relevant component of determining the "necessity" of orthodontic treatment and, which health professionals cannot be alienated from, nor its dimension and impact. (1,3,(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14) The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need function, and oral aesthetics. The index was created with the purpose of establishing a coherent prioritisation for orthodontic treatment needs, that is, the bigger the need for treatment, the higher priority.…”

Are YouTube™ Videos a Reliable Source of Information About Root Resorption?

“…Much research has been undertaken to examine the quality of health-related videos on YouTube™, and medical and dental professionals have recognized the platform's impact as a source of patient information (16). Videos about dentistry topics such as root canal treatment (17), impacted canines (18), dental avulsion injuries (15), orthognathic surgery (19,20), orthodontic treatment (21), clear aligners (22) and oral hygiene (23,24) have been assessed in the literature. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the content and quality of YouTube™ videos on external root resorption.…”

“…For each question, the answer ''no'' scored 0 points and the answer ''yes'' scored 1 point. A reliability score was obtained by calculating the total of these points (22,26,27). To evaluate video quality, a 5-point scale, the global quality scale (GQS) was applied (Tab.…”