Clinical performance and physical properties of twelve amalgam alloys

Clinical performance of certain commercial high-copper-content amalgams

The types of alloys and the integrity at the margins of certain commercially available high-copper-content amalgams were assessed. After a two-year clinical trial, interpretation of the results indicated that Dispersalloy, Cupralloy, and Phasealloy had the least failure at the margins. These alloys were closely followed by Indiloy and Tytin, Sybraloy, Optaloy II, Velvalloy (a traditional alloy), Micro II, and Aristaloy CR had less marginal integrity. Clinical data can be used to guide the practitioner in selecting an amalgam alloy.

Electrochemical characteristics of the S.I.A. dental amalgam cavity liner

Selective interfacial amalgamation (S.I.A.) has been developed as a dental amalgam cavity liner with the intent of increasing the restoration-tooth adhesion and reducing the debilitating effects of corrosion and marginal leakage. This paper examines the S.I.A. liner's effectiveness as a corrosion preventive cavity liner by two experimental techniques: anodic polarization and differential aeration tests. The results from these tests indicate that S.I.A. does enhance the corrosion resistance of a dental amalgam.

Clinical performance of amalgam as predicted by physical property tests

For a number of years, dentistry has relied upon laboratory data to select and to certify the materials to be used in restorations. The data obtained from laboratory studies are used as criteria for clinical performance and also for sales promotion.

Behavior of three high-Cu amalgams

Amalgams made from three single-composition high-Cu alloys of the same nominal composition were investigated for differences in creep behavior. The curves of creep vs. final Hg content for all three alloys showed a sudden creep increase (jump) at approximately 46% final Hg content. Previous studies have shown this creep jump to be associated with the initiation of the Sn--Hg phase (gamma 2). The anticipated final Hg content in clinical restorations for two of these alloys is below the creep jump and gamma 2 would not be expected. On the other hand, the clinical Hg content for the third alloy was above its creep jump and gamma 2 would be expected. The effect on clinical behavior of this finding require further investigation.