The clinical performance of two groups of functioning class-II cast gold inlays

The length of service and the clinical performance of two groups of functioning class-II cast gold inlays in patients attending a private practice were assessed by conventional clinical and radiographic examination. In one group all inlays were older than 25 years (median age, 34 years), and they had an extended outline form. The impression technique was based on a thermoplastic material in a copper ring. In the other group, comprising inlays inserted during the past 25 years (median age, 16.5 years), the outline form was minimal and an elastic impression material in a copper ring was used. The inlays in the older group appeared to perform better than those in the younger group. In both groups recurrent caries appeared to be the predominant reason for repair.