Marginal fracture of dental amalgams

The purpose of this study was to determine the marginal fracture of different amalgams, using a semiclinical method which facilitates standardization and minimizes the observation time, in 10 patients receiving complete dentures. Cavities were cut occlusally in acrylic premolars and molars. The margin was then beveled to 45 degrees with a cone-shaped diamond. Two dispersion-strengthened amalgams and one conventional amalgam were used in each mouth. The cavities of each quadrant were filled with the same amalgam. Thus, conventional amalgam fillings were always placed in opposing quadrants to those filled with a dispersion-strengthened amalgam. The degree of marginal fracture was evaluated from the prints (magnification X 5-7) by five dentists separately and blindly. After 6 months' service, severe marginal fracturing was frequently seen.