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Professional Dental Terminology for the Dental Assistant and Hygienist

Course Number: 542

Amalgam and Composite Restorations

ce542 - Content - Amalgam and Composite Restorations - Figure 1

Amalgam restorations are very strong and typically last for a long period of time. They are only used in the posterior because they are not as esthetically pleasing as a tooth colored restoration, like a composite or veneer.The composite and veneer match the color of the natural teeth but some of them may not be as durable as the amalgam.

Nikki to Group: “Our first patient is Mr. Brian Smith. He has scheduled an amalgam procedure on tooth #3. We explained to him that this would be the strongest type of restoration for that area. He was pleased with that, although he was concerned about the look of a "silver" filling. He also will be having a composite restoration in the anterior on #8.”