A scientometric study on research trends and characteristics of randomized controlled trials in orthodontics

In evidence-based approaches to orthodontic research, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are recognized as the highest level of original evidence. The purpose of this study was to analyze the scientometric characteristics and research trends of RCTs in orthodontics, with emphasis on chronological comparison and regional characteristic of the keywords.

All the reports on RCTs in orthodontics were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database. The years of publication were divided into before 2020 and Jan 2020-Jul 2025 in the analysis of research trends.

There were 1343 reports on RCTs in orthodontics, with total citations of 27,314 and the h index of 74. The most keyword of condition or related disease was malocclusion, followed by pain, mouth hygiene, tooth disease, dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and root resorption. The research trend of has changed to accelerated orthodontics, photobiomodulation, platelet-rich fibrin, overbite, oral health, mouthwash, chlorhexidine, fluoride varnish, biofilm, streptococcus mutans, low-level laser therapy, and pain management after 2020. Compared with Western countries, the investigators from the representative developing countries more concerned with accelerated orthodontics, diode laser, low-level laser therapy, micro-osteoperforation, microbiology, streptococcus mutans, open bite, pain management, ibuprofen, fluoride varnish, saliva, biofilm, and white spot lesions.

This scientometric study elucidated the comprehensive schema and research trends in the field of RCTs in orthodontics, and would help in improving in reciprocal collaboration and provide helpful guidance for further research.