Status report on silver amalgam. Council on Dental Materials and Devices

This report discusses the current status of amalgam. The new alloy systems have been reviewed in relation to their advantages, disadvantages, and clinical use. Values for the physical properties of amalgam have increased tremendously in the past 50 years and relatively recent changes in alloy composition, size, and shape of particles can produce clinically observable improvements in restorations, particularly with respect to marginal integrity. New alloys that are now available or are very close to being introduced on the market should be investigated and observed by practitioners. However, it should be recognized that correct alloy manipulation of currently available alloys probably has more influence on the longevity of restorations than the type of alloy selected.