Quality assessment of online information on orthodontic Web sites in the United States.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the quality of online information on orthodontic treatment provided by orthodontic Web sites in the United States and investigate their claims.

Methods: Three hundred and one American orthodontic Web sites were identified after an advanced Google search. Data collection included: the location of the clinic, treatment options offered, quality-of-information assessment using the DISCERN tool, and finally, claims when promoting 1 treatment option against another, as well as the presence of information on relapse risk and retention needs.