Purpose: The aim of this study was to conduct an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) related to aspects of the shortened dental arch (SDA) and its variants and critically appraise the methodologic quality of included SRs using the AMSTAR checklist.
Materials and methods: A comprehensive computerized search and a hand search of reference lists were conducted for SRs related to SDAs to identify publications from 2000 to 2016. All the present authors and a research assistant independently screened the results of the electronic searches using an eligibility form and extracted information using a specially designed prepiloted data extraction form. An 11-question AMSTAR checklist was completed for each included SR. Disputes were resolved by discussion between all researchers, and results were collated and interpreted.
Results: For the period of 2007 to 2016, the search yielded nine SRs incorporating 228 related articles. The research questions for each SR differed but were related to SDAs, thus, the included articles were similar across SRs. Characteristics such as aims/objectives, study outcomes, and conclusions of the nine included SRs were compared. The AMSTAR evaluation indicated that five out of nine studies were of a high quality (used a rigorous methodology) and the remaining four were of medium quality. All nine SRs provided designs and characteristics of included studies. None of the SRs assessed publication bias.
Conclusion: Of the nine SRs, seven drew positive conclusions regarding the SDA concept, finding it functionally sound, although some suggested that more high-quality primary studies are still needed. The AMSTAR calculation indicated that most included SRs had an acceptable methodologic quality, emphasizing the reliability of their results.