Comparing the two most commonly used Dental Restorative Materials.

1. By
Dr. RASHID HASSAN
BDS(de’ Mont) MSc (QMUL.UK)
Hod Science of Dental Materials

2.  Objective: Compare the two most
commonly used restorative
materials Head to head.
 Will be discussing the two giants
of operative dentistry under same
heading to have a thorough
understanding & comparison.

3. AMALGAM COMPOSITES
 Amalgam is
metallic
restorative
material which
is a mixture of
silver alloy and
mercury.
 Highly crosslinked
polymeiric material
formed by 2 distinct
phases bonded to each
other by coupling
agent.
 The 2 distinct phases
are
 1: Continuous phase.
 2: Dispersed phase

4. AMALGAM COMPOSITES
 Powder liquid
formulation.
 Powder: Silver Alloy
containing
1: Silver.
2: Tin.
3: Copper.
4: Zinc.
5: Platinum.
6: Palladium.
Each component has specific function
in final properties of the material.
 Visous paste like
formulation.
 4 major components.
1: Organic component.
2: Inorganic component.
3: Coupling agent.
4: Initiator activator
system.
Minor Additions
1: Color modifiers.
2: Inhibitors.

5. AMALGAM COMPOSITES
1: Based on copper content
a) Low copper
alloys.(Copper<6%)
b) High copper alloys
(Copper>6-30%)
2) Based on Zinc content
a) Zinc containing (Zinc>0.01%)
b) Zinc free alloys (Zinc<0.01%)
3) Based on shape of alloy
particles:
a) Lathe cut.
b) Spherical.
c) Admixed.
1)Based on curing mechanism
a) Light cured composites.
b) Chemically cured
composites.
c) Dual cured composites.
2) Based on size of filler
particles
a) Conventional.
b) Small particle filled.
c) Microfilled.
d) Hybrid.

6. AMALGAM COMPOSITES
 Powder liquid
bottles.
 Capsule
forms.
 Sachet form.
Syringe
form.
Paste paste
formulation.

7. AMALGAM
COMPOSITES
1) Moderate to large
class I & II posterior
restorations.
2) Class V when
aesthetics is not a
concern.
3) Core build up
material.
4) Apicectomy.
5) Moderate caries
control.
1) Class
I,II,III,IV,V,VI
restorations.
2) Aesthetics
dentistry.
3) Partial/full
vaneers.
4) Teeth splinting.

8. AMALGAM COMPOSITES
1) Where
aesthetics is a
concern.
2) Extensive loss
of tooth
structure.
3) Small class I & II
cavities.
1) Abnormal occlusal
stresses.
2) Poor oral hygiene.
3) Access or
isolation
difficulties.
4) Allergic patients.

9. AMALGAM COMPOSITES
1) Ease of use.
2) High compressive
strength.
3) Excellent wear
resistance.
4) Long term clinical
performance.
5) Self sealing ability.
6) Economical.
1) Aesthetics.
2) Conservation of
tooth structure.
3) Repairable.
4) Bonding to tooth
structure.
5) Same appointment
polishing.

10. AMALGAM COMPOSITES
1) Non aesthetic
restorative
material.
2) Conductor.
3) Less conservation
of tooth.
4) Tarnish &
corrosion.
5) Galvanic shock.
1) Polymerization
shrinkage.
2) Time consuming.
3) Expansive.
4) Increased
coefficient of
thermal
expansion.
5) Difficult to finish &
polish.