title: Meta-analysis for orthodontists: Part II--Is all that glitters gold?
abstract: Systematic reviews with quantitative synthesis of included studies (meta-analysis) are being produced at increased rates in orthodontics. However, their reporting quality is often suboptimal, and methodological limitations can affect their conclusions. This article is designed to help orthodontists critically appraise the validity of a meta-analysis by providing 11 questions that address the planning, conduct and interpretation of these investigations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics Department of Oral Technology, School of Dentistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: Spyridon N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Papageorgiou
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017594:Publication Bias; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D012196:Review Literature as Topic
keywords: Meta-analysis; evidence-based dentistry; heterogeneity; orthodontics; risk of bias; systematic review