Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the readability levels of web-based patient information texts related to orthodontic activator appliances using the Ateşman Readability Formula, and to assess their appropriateness in the context of health communication and public education levels. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and retrospective content analysis was conducted between May 10 and 15, 2025, using the keyword “orthodontic activator appliance” via Google. A total of 34 Turkish-language texts that met the inclusion criteria and were free of duplication were selected. After formatting adjustments, all texts were analyzed using the Ateşman Readability Formula. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0; normality was tested using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: The mean Ateşman readability score of the texts was found to be 55.89, corresponding to a "moderate" readability level. Among the analyzed texts, 52.9% were suitable for individuals at 11–12th grade reading level, and 20.6% for 13–14th grade. Sentence length and lexical complexity were identified as significant factors affecting readability. Conclusion: Web-based patient information about activator appliances tends to exceed the general public's average education level in terms of readability. Simplifying the language and structure of such materials is essential for improving health literacy and ensuring effective patient communication.
Özen et al. (Sat,) studied this question.