[Comparative in vivo wear-resistance measurements between amalgam and composite materials. Results after 2 years]

The wear resistance of three different types of restorative materials for posterior teeth was examined in a 2-year clinical study. Reduction in vertical dimension was measured with the aid of profilometric grafical curves of the restoration occlusal relief. The following results were obtained: (formula: see text). The results show that, relative to wear resistance, the composite restorative material, strengthened with a new type of anorganic microfiller, is clearly superior to the conventional composite, however, is not equal to amalgam. Besides resistance to wear, there are numerous other demands of a posterior tooth composite system which have yet to be met before these microfiller composites can be recommended for the restoration of conventionally prepared Class I and II cavities.