Appendix II: Summary Tables on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Alternative Dental Restorative Materials

Appendix II
Summary Tables on the Advantages and Disadvantages
of Alternative Dental Restorative Materials
Table 1. Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Composites,
Pit and Fissure Sealants, and Preventive Resin Restorations

Advantages		Disadvantages
Esthetic value Low thermal conductivity No galvanic reactions Placed in one appointment Easily repaired Bonded resin may enhance tooth strength Conservative preparation technique minimizes loss of healthy tooth structure Some materials release fluoride	Lacks self-sealing ability, unlike amalgam Leakage occurs with a high rate of secondary caries because of the breakage of the adhesive-tooth bond Excessive wear under stress Low fracture strength High technique sensitivity Generation and inhalation of dust during finishing procedures represent a potential hazard for patient and dental staff Polymerization shrinkage of some composites may cause bacterial leakage and high stress to develop in the tooth Increased plaque adhesion Allergenic potential

Table 2. Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of
Glass Ionomer Restorations

Advantages	Disadvantages
Some esthetic value Fluoride release may provide anticariogenic qualities Low thermal conductivity No galvanic reaction Placed in one appointment Minimal healthy tooth structure removed Often placed without need for local anesthesia	Technique sensitive Difficult to manipulate Slow set - may be sensitive to moisture over extended periods

Table 3. Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Gold Foil Restorations

Advantages	Disadvantages
Durable and long lasting if modest in size and placed in nonstress-bearing areas	High cost Technique sensitive Requires a high level of clinical skill Placement trauma may cause potential periodontal or pulpal damage Placement is time-consuming Poor esthetic appearance in the anterior teeth

Table 4. Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of
Cast Metal and Metal-Ceramic Restoration

Advantages	Disadvantages
Generally superior strength compared to materials placed in a single appointment, particularly in high stress-bearing areas Excellent wear resistance with low abrasiveness against tooth enamel if gold or glazed/polished porcelain is used Excellent longevity Esthetics maintained with metal-ceramics	High cost Requires more than one appointment for fabrication and placement Possible wear of opposing teeth Allergic reactions in some individuals Corrosion can occur Potential galvanic reaction Technique sensitive - requires moderately high level of clinical skill

Table 5. Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramic Restorations

Advantages	Disadvantages
Esthetics No galvanic reactions Low thermal conductivity No corrosion	High cost High clinical skill level required Technique sensitive Removal of considerable amount of sound tooth structure Lacks the strength of metal-ceramic restorations High and unpredictable fracture rates Occasional post-operative pain from cementation and bonding techniques Excessive wear of opposing tooth may occur if ceramic surface is not properly glazed or polished

Return to Table of Contents

Return to Committee Reports Page