Resin composites in the post-amalgam age.

Resin-based composites are now being used as either amalgam substitutes or amalgam alternatives for the direct placement of box-shaped, stress-bearing restorations in posterior teeth. The expected longevity of these restorations is 8 years. With amalgam substitutes, preservation of enamel and dentin and restoration of tooth form and function must be warranted for the full length of the envisaged service life. In addition, with amalgam alternatives, the restoration must be, and must remain, imperceptible at a normal talking distance. The limiting factor with amalgam substitutes is the elevated risk of secondary caries, which is a result of the marginal openings that are unavoidably associated with the nature of the operative technique. Restorations in permanent teeth using amalgam substitutes most likely fail in some critical aspect of the Swiss Dental Society quality guidelines. With amalgam alternatives, the high cost and the demanding operative technique remain the main criticisms. However, amalgam alternatives, if they are placed using a sophisticated operative technique resulting in perfectly adapted restorations, meet the high expectations outlined in the Swiss Dental Society quality guidelines and fit the clinical concept of the post-amalgam age.