Differences between the Inlay and Amalgam;Restorations

Cast inlay Amalgam restoration

Cast inlay is an indirect procedure requiring two Amalgam restoration is direct procedure that can be
appointments. One for tooth preparation and the other for finished in one appointment.
delivering restoration.
Minimum thickness of restorative material required to resist Requires at least 1.5 mm thickness of amalgam to
deformation is 1-2 mm. resist deformation.
Instruments used for cavity preparation
No. 271 bur is mostly used. No. 245 bur is mostly used.
Cavity preparation (Figs 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 and 6.7)
Axial walls should be parallel or slightly divergent occlusally Retention form is achieved through axial walls that
(2-5° taper per wall) for achieving primary retention converge occlusally.
An occlusal bevel of 30-40° is placed for proper adaptation of Bevels are not indicated as amalgam has low tensile
the inlay strength
Gingival bevel of 30° is placed in the gingival wall to Gingival bevel of 15-20° is placed in the gingival wall to
1. Remove the weak enamel to improve resistance form. remove the unsupported enamel rods thereby
2. To provide a lap sliding fit of the casting. improving the resistance form.
3. To allow burnishing of the metal margin to improve the Gingival bevel is not required in deciduous teeth as
adaptation (Fig. 6.1). there are no unsupported enamel rods in this region.
Proximal portion is box-shaped Proximal box has an inverted trunk shape.
The isthmus width should not exceed 1/3rd of intercuspal The isthmus width should not exceed 1/4th of
distance. intercuspal distance (Figs 6.5A and B).
Flares (Primary - I - Secondary) prepared on the facial and Flares are not indicated
lingual proximal walls carries the same function as that of
bevels on occlusal and gingival walls.
Cavosurface angle is 130-140° (Lap joint) Marginal metal is Cavosurface angle is 90-100° (Butt joint) Metal margin
30-40° is 90°
(Contd.)
Contd....
Cast inlay Amalgam restoration
Retention grooves are piaced on the axiofaciai and axioiinguai Retention iocks are prepared on the axiofaciai and
iine angies to provide secondary resistance form axioiinguai angies for secondary retention
Indications
It is appropriate for moderate to extensive cavity preparations. It is appropriate for conservative preparations.
Contraindications
In young patients, due to presence of iarge puip chambers and in Contraindicated in extensive carious iesions and
oid patients, due to iengthy and muitistep procedures. indicated in young patients
Advantages
Superior controi of contours and contacts can be achieved. There is less control on the placement of proper
contours and contacts.
Disadvantages
More cost to the patient Less cost to the patient
Requires at ieast two appointments Treatment can be completed in one appointment
most of the time.