[Orofacial parafunctions in relation to the function and dysfunction of the masticatory apparatus]

With the purpose of assessing the prevalence of dento-oro-facial parafunctions, an objective examination has been carried out of dental wear. At the same, a questionnaire on the parafunctional habits of a group of 108 patients suffering from cranio-mandibular disorders was distributed and a control sample of non-dysfunctional subjects of comparable age and sex features investigated. Data were collected by means of a special clinical record and an Individual Wear Index was worked out. The results showed a high presence of parafunctions in both groups, without significant differences. Dental wear was also comparable, showing, however, a precise age-proportional gradient. The facilitating structural causes, although confirming the decisive factor of muscular hyperactivity, were the loss of posterior support and deep bite. It was concluded that dysfunction and parafunction are not interdependent, although, evidently, they often coexist and are mutually aggravating.