i want to know as much opinions as possible from dentists so i will be thankful if you can help me out with this topic according to your experiments.
thanks for your answer doctor
and what is the reason that you prefer composite?
Composite is the best choice if you want the most natural finish possible and for your fillings to be unnoticeable. They may not last quite as long as amalgam fillings, but the compromise is their beauty and the elimination of mercury-related health concerns.Oct 12, 2020
https://www.metroeastdentalcare.com › ...
The Pros & Cons of Amalgam and Composite Fillings
Approximately half of a dental amalgam filling is liquid mercury and the other half is a powdered alloy of silver, tin, and copper. Mercury is used to bind the alloy particles together into a strong, durable, and solid filling.Feb 18, 2021
https://www.fda.gov › dental-devices
Dental Amalgam Fillings | FDA
Longevity. The metals used to make silver amalgam fillings make the fillings extremely durable. Silver fillings typically last for 10-15 years. Composite resin is not as strong as metal, and the fillings usually last for five years.
https://www.mytotaldentistry.com › ...
Amalgam Versus Composite Fillings - McCarthy Dentistry Marietta Ohio
Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org › co...
Composite Fillings - Tooth-Colored Fillings - American Dental ...
Tooth-colored Composites
Aesthetics -- the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.Oct 31, 2021
https://www.webmd.com › guide
Dental Fillings: Gold, Amalgam, Composite, Ceramic and More
Composite fillings are made from materials matching the color of your teeth whereas amalgam fillings are made from metal. Even though composite fillings are a more advanced version of traditional fillings such as dental amalgam, sometimes, traditional fillings triumph over its successor.
https://www.springcypressdental.com › ...
Choosing between Composite Fillings and Dental Amalgam Fillings
A composite filling is a treatment for a cavity. This type of filling uses a composite resin material to restore your oral health. Composite resin is a material made up of a mixture of different substances, including fine glass and plastic. This type of filling provides an alternative to traditional amalgam fillings.
https://raptou.com › Dentist-Columb...
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last? | Dentist Columbus OH
A composite (tooth colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. There are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.Jul 31, 2017
https://feildfamilydentistry.com › co...
Composite Fillings | Feild Family Dentistry
If you suffer from sensitivities or allergies, amalgam may not be suitable for you. Since amalgam fillings are a mixture of mercury silver and tin, it might best to replace them with composite-based fillings. Speak to your dentist about what type of fillings would be best.Aug 15, 2019
https://destinationdentalcarenj.com › ...
Is it a good idea to replace Amalgam fillings with composite?
Sometimes referred to as “silver filling,” dental amalgam is a silver-colored material used to fill (restore) teeth that have cavities.May 11, 2021
https://www.epa.gov › mercury › m...
Mercury in Dental Amalgam | US EPA
Compared to composite resin, this type of filling is more affordable and offers longer-lasting results. When properly cared for, an amalgam filling can last up to 15 years. Because of the metal alloy used, amalgam fillings offer stronger resistance to damage, making then a superior choice for larger areas of decay.
https://www.peartreedentalcare.com › ...
Amalgam vs. Composite Fillings: Which is Better? - PearTree Dental
Dental composites, or resin-based composites, are synthetic materials that combine polymeric matrix with a dispersion of glass, mineral, or resin filler particles and/or short fibers by coupling agents. Just like dental amalgam, they are used to restore tooth structure lost through trauma, caries, or other diseases.
https://www.sciencedirect.com › topics
Dental Composite - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
What does a composite filling look like? Before it's put in your mouth it's usually plasticine like putty. We then place it in your mouth and after we've finished it just looks like a tooth. Once it's in the mouth when it's set you may not even notice its there.
https://smilestories.co › composite-fi...
Composite Fillings – Literally Everything You Need to Know
WHY COMPOSITE DENTAL FILLINGS ARE SAFE
Many dentists consider that composite resin causes no health concern. Both composite filling and sealants are made of resin material, containing BPA which releases for sometime in the mouth after filling replacement.
https://www.senderodental.com › blog
Are Composite Dental Fillings Safe?
Typically, a silver metal filling will last for 12 years, but some need to be replaced in as little as five years. Teeth grinding, heavy biting and other conditions can weaken the filling, causing it to leak, crack or fall out. This picture shows an amalgam filling that's 25 years old.
https://www.coastdental.com › blog
Coast Dental Blog When to Replace Amalgam Fillings
A composite filling is placed in your tooth in layers. The layers will be gradually built up, so they fill the hole. The dentist may use ultraviolet light to cure the filling in place. This hardens each layer quickly so that the next layer can be placed in the tooth.
https://www.bossdental.com › what-t...
What to Expect During A Composite Filling Procedure - Boss Dental Care
The amalgam is condensed into polymerizing dual cure resin that is placed on conditioned dentin and etched enamel. The amalgam or the oxide of amalgam will chemically bond to the resin, and the resin is bonded to the tooth structure primarily by micromechanical retention.
https://www.sciencedirect.com › topics
Amalgam - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Placement takes longer time than amalgam and other restorative materials. Risk of microleakage and secondary caries. Meticulous oral hygiene maintenance needed. Lower fracture toughness, cannot be used in areas of high occlusal stress.Feb 9, 2016
https://oasisdiscussions.ca › crs
What Are the Uses, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Composite ...
The composite is strong, and while it doesn't have as much crushing strength as amalgam, it has enough to easily withstand biting pressures. But because it bonds to the tooth the whole tooth is stronger and much more resistant to breaking than your tooth would be with the silver amalgam filling.
https://www.napervillecosmeticdentistry.com › ...
Is my white filling strong enough to bite on? - Naperville Cosmetic ...
Amalgam fillings are durable and effective, which is why they have been used for well over 100 years. On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth.Sep 11, 2019
https://www.parkerdentalandortho.com › ...
Do Fillings Need to be Replaced? Here's What You Need to Know
These fillings are relatively inexpensive and durable, but they do release a low level of mercury vapor that can be absorbed by the lungs. Exposure to high levels of mercury vapor has been shown to adversely affect brain and kidney function.Feb 14, 2020
https://www.hillstreamdental.com › ...
Are Composite Fillings Safe for My Health? - Hillstream Dental
Metal amalgam fillings are designed to last for about ten years. At that point there's a good chance that the cement holding it in place is partially dissolved, which can make the filled tooth susceptible to decay from within! If your metal amalgam filling is over ten years old it's definitely time to replace it!
https://www.newtondentistryma.com › ...
Replacement Of Old Metal Fillings - Newton Dentistry
The range of sensitivity is different for every patient. In a normal-small to moderate size filling, sensitivity to cold temperatures usually subsides within a couple of weeks. If the temperature sensitivity persists longer than that, it may be normal for you, but should slowly shows signs of improvement.
https://soundbridgedentalarts.com › ...
Tooth Sensitivity after Composite Fillings - Soundbridge Dental Arts
The 32 groups were divided into two groups of 16 each: amalgam bonded to amalgam and resin composite bonded to amalgam. ... Conclusions: The results of this in vitro study suggest that the strength of a repaired amalgam is only about 40% of that of an unrepaired amalgam.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › ...
Interfacial bond strengths of amalgam bonded to amalgam and
Dental composite resin is a tooth-colored restorative material used to replace a decayed portion of tooth structure. Its esthetic appearance is the main advantage over the conventional dental amalgam.
https://www.sciencedirect.com › topics
Dental Composite Resin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
The Advantages of Composite Resin Fillings
They require less drilling, so not as much tooth structure needs to be removed. They harden in seconds instead of days like other materials. They bond to the tooth giving it greater strength, which helps prevent breaks. They can be repaired if damaged.Jun 20, 2013
https://www.danvilledentalcare.com › ...
Composite Resin Fillings: What are the Advantages and ...
If your dentist notices signs of bruxism, they may recommend you wear a night guard to prevent your teeth from becoming damaged. Night guards can also protect your composite filling and prevent it from premature damage or wear. Overall, the average lifespan of a composite filling is about 5-7 years.
https://swfamilydentistry.com › how...
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last? | Southwest Family Dentistry
The silver (amalgam) fillings that were used for many years contained a mixture of metal alloy containing, silver, tin, copper and mercury. As with many metals that are exposed to a wet environment they will begin to break down and oxidize, often times turning black.Mar 27, 2018
https://www.oceandental.com › blog
Why Do My Old Silver Fillings Look Black? - Ocean Dental | Burnaby ...
What is resin-based composite? This filling material is made up of a mixture of plastic and glass or quartz filler³. It has increasingly become a popular option for filling cavities due to its natural, practically invisible look. They're an attractive, durable option for small- to mid-size fillings.
https://www.guardiandirect.com › re...
Resin Based Composite | Crowns, Porcelain & One Surface Posterior
Doing composite bonding does not have any major risks. The only thing you need to be aware of is that the composite resin used with this procedure isn't as strong as your natural teeth. Therefore, there is a possibility for the material to chip or separate from your real tooth.Jul 7, 2020
https://www.whitesdental.co.uk › do...
Does Composite Bonding Damage Teeth? - Orthodontic Braces ...
Do you have cracks in your filled tooth? The metal used in amalgam fillings corrodes over time causing it to expand and contract, and over the years this can cause fractures in the tooth. A fractured tooth allows food debris, saliva and bacteria to get in and cause a cavity in a filled tooth.Aug 4, 2015
https://www.doorcountydentistry.com › ...
Replacing Old Silver Fillings - Door County Dentistry
In these rare occasions, mercury or one of the metals used in an amalgam restoration is thought to trigger the allergic response. Symptoms of amalgam allergy are similar to those experienced in a typical skin allergy and include skin rashes and itching.Feb 23, 2021
https://my.clevelandclinic.org › health
Dental Fillings: Materials, Types, Sensitivity & Allergy Issues
Sensitivity from a tooth filling should go away within two to four weeks. If the sensitivity doesn't seem to be getting any better during that time, or it lasts for longer than four weeks, contact your dentist.
https://www.healthline.com › health
Tooth Sensitivity After Filling: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Approximately half of a dental amalgam filling is liquid mercury and the other half is a powdered alloy of silver, tin, and copper. Mercury is used to bind the alloy particles together into a strong, durable, and solid filling.Feb 18, 2021
https://www.fda.gov › dental-devices
Dental Amalgam Fillings | FDA
Your choice comes down to the location of the cavity. If the cavity is located at the back of the mouth, choose dental amalgam. In fact, your dentist will recommend you choose that in the first place. If the cavity is in the front teeth, choose composite fillings, as you do not want silver teeth.
https://www.springcypressdental.com › ...
Choosing between Composite Fillings and Dental Amalgam Fillings
Composite is the best choice if you want the most natural finish possible and for your fillings to be unnoticeable. They may not last quite as long as amalgam fillings, but the compromise is their beauty and the elimination of mercury-related health concerns.Oct 12, 2020
https://www.metroeastdentalcare.com › ...
The Pros & Cons of Amalgam and Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are an attractive option because they can be closely matched to the color of your teeth. However, composite fillings are more expensive than silver amalgam fillings and are not as durable. Ceramic fillings are made of porcelain and are a very aesthetically pleasing option that is also very durable.
https://greendentalalexandria.com › ...
Choosing the Right Type of Dental Filling
As a newer treatment in the dental industry, composite fillings are not as cost-effective as amalgam fillings. Composite resin fillings have a longer treatment time, which adds to the cost. Since composite is not as durable as metal alloy, results generally last about seven to 10 years.
https://www.peartreedentalcare.com › ...
Amalgam vs. Composite Fillings: Which is Better? - PearTree Dental
A composite filling can last at least five years, and a silver amalgam filling can last 15.Mar 30, 2016
https://www.didriksendental.com › ...
Why Is Your Filling Deteriorating? | All Gentle Dental
Tooth-colored Composites
Aesthetics -- the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.Oct 31, 2021
https://www.webmd.com › guide
Dental Fillings: Gold, Amalgam, Composite, Ceramic and More
Composite bonding is a very good option for closing small gaps between teeth. Either for a single gap or multiple small gaps between all the teeth, you can achieve amazing results with bonding.May 6, 2021
https://www.3dental.ie › blog › 7-thi...
7 Things You Need To Know About Composite Bonding // 3Dental
Unlike porcelain veneers, composite bonding does not break or it is very rare for it come off in the same way as with porcelain veneers. Composite bonding can chip for a variety of reasons with biting and chewing on hard food being the most common reasons or grinding and clenching teeth.
https://www.bayswaterdental.co.uk › ...
CAN COMPOSITE BONDING BREAK EASILY? - Bayswater ...
Amalgam fillings are made from silver, tin, copper and mercury. Composite fillings are made from a composite resin material. Both options protect the teeth after a cavity.
https://www.mytotaldentistry.com › ...
Amalgam Versus Composite Fillings - McCarthy Dentistry Marietta Ohio
https://www.mytotaldentistry.com/blog/amalgam-versus-composite-fillings/amp/?__cf_chl_tk=6o0ml5bU75p7m6C8pQGgIlhkqjApqZ2zK7Jlj6yvI1U-1640504872-0-gaNycGzNB6U,kindly check this link.
https://www.springcypressdental.com/choosing-composite-fillings-dental-amalgam-fillings,u can follow this link.
https://www.wvdentalvillage.com/Blog/Post/The-Difference-Between-Composite-and-Amalgam-Fillings,this link may be useful.
Thank you Prof. Faraed Salman for all these contributions. You have provided a lot of information which can benefit readers in this discussion.
https://www.drkellislate.com/difference-composite-amalgam-fillings/,also this link may be useful.
Dear Dr Payman Hussein . 1.Composite is the best choice if you want the most natural finish possible and for your fillings to be unnoticeable. They may not last quite as long as amalgam fillings, but the compromise is their beauty and the elimination of mercury-related health concerns. See the link: https://www.metroeastdentalcare.com/the-pros-cons-of-amalgam-and-composite-fillings/
2. Amalgam. Dentists have been using amalgam fillings for decades. These fillings combine mercury, silver, copper, and tin. Amalgam fillings are a great choice for people looking for a strong and long-lasting option. See the link: https://artdentistrync.com/blog/which-dental-filling-material-should-you-choose/
Kindly see also the following very useful RG link: Article Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for ...
Great thanks dear Payman for ur nice question,i’m sorrry to lenghthen my answers,but as the title of the thread is BROAD&as it’s a part of my duty as a specialist,i must cover the important aspects between these two important materials used in dentistry ,particularly amalgam that have been used more than 100 years ago,so i see that i must cover the subject from it different aspects to allow researchers to get good idea&information about the subject.
Also kindly check the very good RG link: Article Amalgam or composite fillings - which material lasts longer?
great thanks dear professor Faraed Salman for your answers they really helped me
Great thanks dear Payman for ur nice comment&contribution,u can follow&check my research work concerning amalgam filling,within few weeks i’ll submitt my updated work concerning prevalence of secondary caries around posterior teeth.
Great thanks dr. Kezia Mkwizu for ur ur nice cotribution&scientific comment, the subject is broad&these 2 materials are in challenge so it’s our duty to benefit the researchers&general readers as much as we could,great thanks again for ur comment.
Dr. Payman Hussein, composite fillings will be best suited option. It have great finishing and durability.
Amalgam when indicated.... It's time tested. I have 4 in my mouth from past 16 years. No complaints.
Actually i have an opinion on both and when to use
According to their advantages and drawbacks
For example i like amalgam for pts with heavy occlusion and high sensitvity issues also if it is difficult moisture control case keeping in mind the to explain the mercury toxic scénarios
While i prefer composite if it is difficult to achieve mechanical retention and if pt. Concern about esthetics .but i have many cases that patients complain of sensitivity after composite and they asked to replace
Mr Payman Hussein, you should not ask for opinions but for scientific evidence. The opinions of individuals are of no interest if you wish to evaluate a scientific question.
In this case, there is a wealth of scientific evidence, easily found on the Internet, that amalgam is toxic for both the dental staff, the patient, and the environment. On the other hand, there is also a wealth of evidence showing that composite fillings are less durable and require more skill to produce than amalgam. So in terms of patient health and comfort, there is no such thing as a simple choice between amalgam and composites.
If you are interested in finding out which is the better alternative of amalgam and composite, the comments you are requesting - and receiving – on Academia will not give you the information you are looking for. The opinions you receive are nothing more than just that: opinions.
Dental amalgam has been used for almost 200 years. It is unesthetic but is self-sealing, very wear-resistant, and tolerant of placement errors. There is no toxicity from metallic mercury (next to gold in the periodic table, more noble than silver), only from organic mercury compounds which do not form in the human system. Cyanide (CN) is also a toxic compound, so should we stop using carbon and nitrogen? No more eating and no more breathing! Dental resin-based composites cost the patient twice as much and last half as long. While a good business model for dental practices, replacement of dental amalgams by resin-based composites is not endorsed by the profession for good reason.
Dentists and their staff have about 15 times as much mercury in their bodies as the average population, but it does not affect their health. The fillings I have in my mouth are, with one exception, amalgam fillings, all done more than 50 years ago. If you want to start a similar scare campaign about the toxicity of composites as with amalgam, that is easy. Composites are made up of waste products from the chemical industry, possibly carcinogenic, but that is of no special importance here either.
Amalgam fillings are supported by sound tooth but composites are supported by demineralised tooth. Secondary carries is much more common in composite restoration. In dentistry much more toxic chemical fluoride is accepted. Fluorides make the enamel weak (Hypomineralised) not strong. Amalgam fillings used to be known as silver fillings. Silver and gold are the best and longest lasting filling materials. Composite restorations because of the white colour are easy to sell and more profitable.
Mats Mehrstedt thank you so much for giving me an answer dear doctor
Prof.Dr. Lawrence Gettleman,great thanks for ur scientific explanation about the difference between 2 materials,i like to add my note that both composite&amalgam restorative materials have advantages&disadvantages,but our philosophy in selecting between these two materials is the matter of the use of suitable material for the suitable mouth.
Dr.Lalit Kumar Bandlish,thank u for ur explanation,but i have few notes,when u mentioned that amalgam fillings r supported by sound tooth but composites r supported by demineralized tooth,my opinion it’s better if u phrased your statement differently (composites bond with tooth structure enamel &dentine while amalgam doesn’t bond.cont.
The 2nd note dr. Lalit,is that secondary caries is much more common in composite restoration,i’ll add,if composite filling material is done perfectly with bonding agent,the result will be less polymerisation shrinkage&marginal gap formation&less secondary caries incidence.cont.
The 3rd. note dr. Lalit is that , in dentistry much more toxic chemical fluoride is accepted,Fl. makes the enamel weak(hypomineralized)not strong?Do u mean dental fluorosis(hyper fluoride ion concentration content inside tooth structure will weaken enamel?But accepted level of fluoride in restorative materials like GIC or smart composite will release fl. ions to the surrounding tooth structure there by reinforcing it,then reducing incidence of secondary caries.
Large cavity amalgam due to hygroscopic expansion but unesthetic. Composite for esthesis but chances for sensitivity and micro- leakage
It is known fact that enamel is hypo mineralised even at 1 ppm. Enamel picks up fluoride after its development is complete. Surface enamel is rich in fluoride. Surface layer looses fluoride through wear or attrition. Fluorides reduce caries where ever there is wear. Fluorides do not reduce fissure caries because of lack of wear in the fissures. Decayed parts of enamel have more fluoride than normal parts of the same tooth. Demineralisation and remineralisation is a surface phenomenon, body of the lesion never remineralises. Any external material including fluoride can only enter enamel dissolved in acid. If fluoride is preventing enamel caries how come there is more fluoride in the decayed parts of enamel.
You may like to see my book and other work on the website www.enamelcaries.com.
I feel all first time restoration s on tooth can be composite, which is a technique sensitive material.So in untrained hands with poor isolation can be disastrous specially in deep Proximal cavities.
Amalgam on the other hand is more forgiving material and is self sealing , so with proper case selection can last for years,though it has disadvantage of being non tooth colored.
In the days of amalgam restorations unsupported enamel used to be removed. Now a days this unsupported enamel has become precious because the composites bond better to enamel. Enamel caries is located at the contact area if extension for prevention is not practiced then there is much more possibility of secondary caries. Building a proper contact area is much easier with amalgam restorations. One has to understand the disease before you can treat the disease. I isolated the contact area on extracted teeth with impressions taken before the extraction of the teeth and found that the carious lesions are located at the contact area not below the contact area. Some researchers believe that the caries lesion is located below the contact area in stagnant plaque. Carious lesion progress at the contact area but stagnant plaque below the contact area leads to calculus deposit. Acid attack is clearly ahead of the bacterial front, even the bacteria cannot enter enamel. Any external materials including fluoride can only enter enamel dissolved in acids.
Hi, I prefer composite fillings especially where aesthetics and mercury fear is concerned. however in certain situations with limited access and unpredictable moisture control or where the tooth has enough supporting structure and will be used as an abutment for a prosthesis amalgam is preferred
Composite filling used for anterior teeth and for small filling in posterior teeth . Amalgam filling used in large caries in posterior teeth .
Composite fillings for anterior teeth, amalgam fillings for small and medium sized fillings. for larger restorations build the tooth with glass ionomer then cover with full cusp coverage gold restorations. I wrote a paper in the British Dental Journal August 8, 2009, Long-term survival of "direct-wax" cast gold inlays.
Gold is oldest and best filling material.
As reported by me before, resin-based composite filling materials cost twice as much and last half as long as dental amalgam. While a good business model, organized dentistry and regulatory agencies recognize the long-term benefits of amalgam. Metallic mercury has no toxic effects in the mouth despite its miniscule measurable vapor pressure, and is enriched in older restorations as the other elements corrode (mercury is next to gold in the periodic table). Organic mercury (methyl mercury) comes from the environment in the food chain and does not form in the human system. True allergies are extremely rare. Disposal of dental mercury in the environment is easily controlled. Amalgam tattoos from amalgam particles trapped in tissues have no pathologic sequalae other than discolored tissues. Dentists who deprecate amalgam violate our code of ethics for personal gain. Bonding agents effectively seal tooth structure from further decay for both materials. Resin-based composites take more time and skill to place properly and are less resistant to abrasion, but are much more esthetic, and glass-ionomer reinforced composites dispense fluoride.
As reported by me before, resin-based composite filling materials cost twice as much and last half as long as dental amalgam. While a good business model, organized dentistry and regulatory agencies recognize the long-term benefits of amalgam. Metallic mercury has no toxic effects in the mouth despite its miniscule measurable vapor pressure, and is enriched in older restorations as the other elements corrode (mercury is next to gold in the periodic table). Amalgam's corrosion products make them self-sealing. Organic mercury (methyl mercury) comes from the environment in the food chain and does not form in the human system. True allergies to mercury, silver, copper, and tin are extremely rare. Disposal of dental mercury in the environment is easily controlled. Amalgam tattoos from amalgam particles trapped in tissues have no pathologic sequalae other than discolored tissues. Dentists who deprecate amalgam violate our code of ethics for personal gain. Bonding agents for amalgams and resin-based composites effectively seal tooth structure from further decay. Resin-based composites take more time and skill to place properly and are less resistant to abrasion, but are much more esthetic, and glass-ionomer reinforced composites dispense fluoride.
I don't know whether this point was discussed before in this Q/A, but I would recommend the material/technique
1. for which the operator has the best skills
2. according to defect size and age of the patient
3. which results in the best longevity of the tooth, not the restoration.
I am for Amalgam. In my experience the Amalgam restorations have lasted a longer time than composites. No patient has reported any kind of reaction with Amalgam .
Both materials are used widely by restorative dentists and prosthodontists. The concept of esthetics is broadly and deeply covered in the subject of prosthodontics therefore they have a better understanding of esthetics. Restorative dentist wants to restore an occlusal cavity using composite for the reason of esthetics, but prosthodontist says the occlusal surfaces of most posterior teeth are not visible when one speaks or smiles, therefore esthetic restorations should be limited to labial or buccal cavities. Basic material science books regard composite as a temporary restoration, which if ignored leads to development of secondary caries due to inherent disadvantage of polymerization shrinkage in composites, while the amalgam restoration over the period of time has the ability of self sealing with corrosion products that are less prone to development of secondary caries. The advantage of composites besides esthetics is convenience in preparation and procedure. Amalgam restorations need high skills (preparation, thermal insulation, design, carving etc) while composite needs nothing. As per my academic experience, i feel composite is being misused rather than used in the name of esthetics. Its use is limited to where it is indicated and should be used as temporary restoration and not definitive restoration. Properties (physical, mechanical) of composite are inferior in all respects therefore, barring few cases of class 5 restorations or surface pits its should not be used as alternative to permanent restoration.
Mouth is a dark cavity. light mostly falls on front teeth or buccal surfaces of some posterior teeth. Amalgam is the best filling material for posterior teeth.