Liquid gallium alloys for metallic plastic fillings.

Ga-In-Sn alloys that are liquid at room temperature have been developed to replace mercury in metal plastic fillings. These liquid alloys were mixed with Ag-Pd-Sn-Cu-Zn to form powder alloys, 'a plasto-metallic body'. Various physical properties of these materials were evaluated. Strength increased markedly immediately after mixing, and polishing was possible on the same day. A good marginal seal could be expected as these materials expand on setting. The technique for filling is simpler and more rapid than is the case with amalgam materials. These materials also seem to be useful in paediatric dentistry for the handicapped, where extensive treatments are frequently performed under general anaesthesia.