Abstract Background: Fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) are commonly used to restore the function and aesthetics of damaged or missing teeth. Over the past few decades, material choices for FDPs have evolved considerably, ranging from full-metal restorations and metal-ceramic to all-ceramic systems such as zirconia and lithium disilicate. This study aimed to understand the material selection habits and clinicians’ preferences and the factors prompting these decisions among prosthodontists and general dentists. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an anonymous online questionnaire distributed to dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, preferred materials for FDPs (metal-ceramic, zirconia, lithium disilicate, layered zirconia), and main factors influencing material selection, including aesthetics, cost, strength, availability, clinician preference, and patient demand. Results: A total of 143 practitioners participated; 51% were females, and 44.1% were aged 30–39 years. Lithium disilicate and zirconia were the most preferred materials for anterior and posterior crowns (70.6% and 78.6%). For anterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs), layered zirconia was most common (38.5%), while zirconia predominated in posterior FPDs (69.9%). Metal-ceramic was the least preferred overall. Clinical indications and the treatment plan were identified as the most influential factors in material selection for posterior restorations. Conclusion: Zirconia was the predominant material of choice, followed by lithium disilicate, while metal-ceramic was least favored. In posterior FPDs, the use of traditional materials increased with age and government practice but decreased with higher education. Further studies are needed to explore the preferred materials among dental practitioners in the region.
Yasmeen AlOtaibi (Wed,) studied this question.