Amalgam is an alloy than contains mercury among other substances. It is a long – standing, time-proven filling material which we no longer recommend due to the danger of mercury contamination.

Advantages:

• fast and easily applied
• high resistance to abrasion

Disadvantages:

• The cavity for an amalgam filling must be prepared and grooved, resulting in greater loss of tooth substance
• Aesthetically unsatisfactory
• Amalgam contains mercury

Duration: 6-10 years

Due to its side – effects, the clinical application of amalgam is controversial.