Scientific overview of mandibular advancement devices: a bibliometric and altmetric analysis

To evaluate publications on mandibular advancement devices through bibliometric and altmetric analysis.

A search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) initially in August 2024, with an update in December 2025, including all articles on mandibular advancement devices, with no restrictions on language or publication date. Editorials, abstracts, and conference papers were excluded. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and extracted data on citations, year, journal, study design, type of device, study objective, geographic origin, authors, and keywords. Altmetric analysis was performed using Dimensions. Spearman's correlation tested associations between impact factor, year, and citations, and bibliometric networks were created with VOSviewer.

A total of 446 articles were published between 1979-2025. The most cited article received 352 citations, and the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics published the largest number of studies (n = 174). Clinical trials were the most frequent design (n = 175), mainly addressing skeletal, dental, facial, and esthetic changes (n = 175). The Herbst appliance was the most investigated (n = 129). Germany (n = 52) and Europe (n = 236) led the publications, with Giessen University as the most productive institution (n = 37). The most prolific author was Pancherz H (n = 31). Altmetric analysis revealed relevant mentions on Mendeley and Facebook.

Europe concentrated the largest scientific output on mandibular advancement devices, particularly the Herbst appliance, in studies focused on skeletal, dental, facial, and esthetic changes.