[The abrasion of amalgam and composites in the lateral dental region]

In 41 patients class 11 cavities each of the lower jaw were filled with the materials Adaptic, Concise cap, Epoxydent or amalgam. The models made from impressions were systemically measured by a coordinate measuring machine according to a procedure determined by us (measuring error of this method about 15 micron). After one year the following abrasions were found: amalgam 18 micron +/- 58 micron, Adaptic 92 micron +/- 97 micron, Concise Cap 146 micron +/- 75 micron, Epoxydent 38 micron +/- 50 micron. Evaluation of the clinical examination showed that the materials Concise and Epoxydent were significantly inferior as regards border closure than amalgam and Adaptic. We determined further that a large percentage of composite filling showed visible discoloration of the borders (Adaptic 42%, Concise 55%, Epoxydent 80%). Many of the fillings were discolored after a year. Adaptic was highly significantly different with 31.6% discolored fillings to both other materials (Concise 79%, Epoxydent 78.4%).