[Tarnishing, discoloration and corrosion of dental amalgams in vitro]

The purpose of this paper was to observe changes occurred on the surface of some amalgams commonly found in the national market in order to evaluate tarnishing, darkening and corrosion on polished and non-polished surfaces. The method used was alternate immersion in bidestilled water, and 50% acetic acid, 14.5% lactic acid. A control, for comparative purposes, was not submitted to immersion but left in normal environmental conditions.