[The abrasion of amalgam and composites in the lateral dental region]

Abstract

In 41 patients class 11 cavities each of the lower jaw were filled with the materials Adaptic, Concise cap, Epoxydent or amalgam. The models made from impressions were systemically measured by a coordinate measuring machine according to a procedure determined by us (measuring error of this method about 15 micron). After one year the following abrasions were found: amalgam 18 micron +/- 58 micron, Adaptic 92 micron +/- 97 micron, Concise Cap 146 micron +/- 75 micron, Epoxydent 38 micron +/- 50 micron. Evaluation of the clinical examination showed that the materials Concise and Epoxydent were significantly inferior as regards border closure than amalgam and Adaptic. We determined further that a large percentage of composite filling showed visible discoloration of the borders (Adaptic 42%, Concise 55%, Epoxydent 80%). Many of the fillings were discolored after a year. Adaptic was highly significantly different with 31.6% discolored fillings to both other materials (Concise 79%, Epoxydent 78.4%).