Content, Quality, and Tendency of YouTube Videos Regarding Orthodontics

INTRODUCTION: To assess the content, quality, usefulness, and tendency of the YouTube videos that present information about orthodontic treatment. METHODS:The keyword "How-to-straighten-teeth" was selected using Google Trends.84 videos were assessed among the first 150 videos on YouTube search.Videos were classified according to their Global Quality Scale (GQS) and Content Evaluation Score (CES) values.The video sources, video characteristics, GQS, and CES values were analyzed.Videos with high viewing and interaction rates were evaluated to assess audience trends in terms of the treatment methods they describe.RESULTS: According to the CES value, 63.1% of the videos were classified as low content.According to the GQS value, 41.7% of the videos were classified as useless.36.7% of videos with the highest viewing and interaction rates were predominantly about clear aligner treatment.50% of the do-it-yourself (DIY) videos with higher rates were shared by the patients.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The videos shared on YouTube mostly had inadequate content and nearly half of them were useless.Patient-sourced videos made up the least percentage but had the highest number of views, likes, dislikes, comments, and viewing rates.The audience trends have focused on clear aligner and DIY treatments while accepting labial fixed orthodontic treatment as an established alternative.