Assessment of Arabic Web-Based Knowledge About Clear Aligners: An Infodemiologic Study

Orthodontic treatments aim to enhance dental aesthetics, functionality, and long-term oral health. Clear aligners have gained popularity as an aesthetic and convenient option for patients seeking orthodontic correction. However, the quality and readability of online Arabic patient-centered information regarding clear aligners has not been studied yet. The aim of our study is to investigate the quality and readability of Arabic patient-centered information about clear aligners.

We conducted an extensive evaluation of Arabic web-based content pertaining to clear aligners using three prominent search engines. Eligible websites were categorized based on specialization, organizational affiliation, material type, and presentation style. We assessed website quality and reliability using the DISCERN instrument, Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and Health on the Net (HON) code. In addition, we measured readability using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL).

Out of 600 search results, 195 websites met the inclusion criteria. None of the websites were HON-code accredited. DISCERN assessments revealed low content quality, with none of the websites achieving high-quality status. The JAMA benchmarks showed limited compliance with the four items, with currency being the most frequently achieved. Readability assessments indicated generally high readability, with FKGL scores suggesting easy comprehension for the average readers.

While Arabic web-based information on clear aligners is highly readable, its credibility and quality require significant improvement. Websites should adhere to medical information standards, subject content to rigorous assessments, and seek accreditation to ensure reliability. Enhancing the accessibility and comprehensibility of health-related content will empower individuals to make informed health decisions. Addressing limitations, such as social media and video content evaluation, and conducting comparisons with English websites in future research will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the landscape of online orthodontic information.