title: A clinical evaluation of occlusal composite and amalgam restorations: one- and two-year results.
abstract: A two-year study was conducted to compare the qualitative advantages, if any, of a conventional, cold-curing composite resin to amalgam in occlusal Class I cavities in posterior teeth. The composite was placed into modified, conservative cavity preparations using the acid etch technique. Sixty-one pairs of contralateral restorations were evaluated. Forty-six percent of the amalgams and 42.6% of the composites were considered sound. The major deficiency of each material was rough or chipped margins of the amalgams (38%) and worn surfaces of the composites (26%). The use of conservative cavity preparations and the acid-etch technique with bonding agent and final glaze improved the longevity of the composite restorations compared to previous studies. However, the improvement does not suggest that this method will have a long-term effect on clinical success nor does it indicate that composite is superior to amalgam other than in marginal integrity and esthetics.
mesh_terms: D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003188:Composite Resins; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000379:methods; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D003723:Dental Amalgam