The Prevalence and Impact ofParafunctional Habits among Adults withFixed Prosthodontic Restorations andtheir Association with Restoration Typeand Longevity: A Cross-sectional Study
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Abstract
Introduction: Involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, known as parafunctional behaviors or bruxism,
produces excessive force that negatively impacts fixed restorations by causing wear, fractures, or loss of
retention, thus decreasing their lifespan. For long-lasting therapeutic results, it is essential to comprehend
this interaction. Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of parafunctional
habits among adults with fixed prosthodontic restorations and evaluate their impact on restoration longevity.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2025 and December 2025
among Saudi adults with fixed prosthodontic restorations. A total of 582 participants were targeted using
the Raosoft Sample Size Calculator. Data were collected through a structured self-assessment questionnaire
comprising 24 items on parafunctional habits and perceptions of restorations, along with demographic
information. Parafunctional habits were scored on a 21-point scale, and perceptions of restorations were
scored on a 30-point scale. Participants were classified into low, moderate, and high categories for both habits
and satisfaction levels. The questionnaire was pilot-tested on 20 individuals to ensure clarity. Data were
analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software version 25, with descriptive statistics,
frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square tests to identify associations. Results: The findings revealed that
38% of participants exhibited moderate to high frequency of parafunctional habits, while 62% were classified
as low frequency. Daytime clenching was reported by 46.4% of participants, and 21% reported nocturnal
clenching. Notably, 18.6% of respondents experienced fractures or loosening of their restorations, and 19.8%
noticed excessive tooth wear, supporting the hypothesis that parafunctional habits adversely affect prosthesis
integrity and longevity. Patient perception of the damage caused by these habits was often inadequate, with
only 8.8% demonstrating high awareness.
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