Table 1 Glossary of terms
Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Systematic review | Cochrane [5] defines a systematic review as follows: ‘A systematic review attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view aimed at minimizing bias, to produce more reliable findings to inform decision making.’ |
Intervention review | Cochrane [5] defines an intervention review as follows: ‘Intervention reviews assess the benefits and harms of interventions used in healthcare and health policy.’ |
Orthodontic interventions | Steegmans et al. [6] defined orthodontic interventions as follows: ‘Orthodontic interventions refer to the use of any type of orthodontic appliance to move teeth or change the jaw size or position for orthodontic purposes. These interventions also include appliances to maintain or stabilize the results of orthodontic treatment, for example retainers.’ |
Adverse effect | Cochrane [3, 4], defines an adverse effect as ‘an adverse event for which the causal relation between the intervention and the event is at least a reasonable possibility’ |