QUALITY OF INFORMATION ON ORTHODONTIC RETENTION IN BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE AVAILABLE ON INSTAGRAM

Abstract

Orthodontic retention represents a fundamental stage of orthodontic therapy, responsible for maintaining the dental alignment achieved during the active phase and preventing relapse. Biological factors, such as periodontal remodeling and craniofacial growth, can interfere with the stability of results, making the proper use of retention devices indispensable. At the same time, the rise of digital media has transformed how health information is disseminated, and platforms like Instagram have stood out for their wide diffusion of dentistry-related content. However, the lack of quality control may promote the spread of misinformation, influencing clinical and behavioral practices. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of Reels videos about orthodontic retention published on Instagram, as well as to identify the profiles of content creators and the possible implications of misinformation for patients. This is study, based on the analysis of 115 videos selected using the hashtags #contenção, #contencaoortodontica, and #contençãoortodôntica, published up to July 2025. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the relevance and uniqueness of the sample. The quality and reliability of the information were assessed by two calibrated evaluators using the DISCERN and Global Quality Score (GQS) instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test), with a significance level of 5%. Results showed that 72.17% of the posts were made by self-declared orthodontists, although only part of them had registration with the Regional Council of Dentistry. The quality of the videos ranged from poor to moderate (mean GQS: 2.73 ± 0.85), and reliability ranged from fair to poor (mean DISCERN: 42.25 ± 9.94). Only 7% of the content had scientific grounding, and 85.1% had an educational nature, although many contained inaccurate or incomplete information. Low-quality posts showed engagement rates similar to or higher than those of better-rated ones, indicating that less reliable content tends to achieve greater visibility. No statistically significant differences were found between professional categories regarding the quality or reliability of the posts. It is concluded that the quality and reliability of information about orthodontic retention available on Instagram are generally unsatisfactory. Although most content is produced by professionals, there is a lack of scientific references and, in some cases, professional identification, constituting an ethical violation. The findings highlight the need for a stronger presence of academic institutions and qualified professionals on social media, as well as the promotion of critical digital education, in order to ensure evidence-based information and reduce health misinformation.