[The abrasion of amalgam and composites in the area of the lateral teeth].

Four materials: amalgam, Epoxydent, Adaptic and concise Cap were filled after certain criteria into class II mandibular cavities and examined after one year. The very accurate models were submitted to measuring with a three-dimensional measuring device. The results were the following: amalgam 18 +/- 58 micron Epoxydent 38 +/- 50 micron Adaptic 92 +/- 97 micron Concise Cap 146 +/- 75 micron Only the first difference between amalgam and Epoxydent is statistically insignificant, the others are all relevant. Furthermore, a mean abrasion of functional cusps of 70 micron and a maximum abrasion of 300 micron could be observed. Clinically, relative to marginal adaptation and discoloration, Adaptic was clearly superior to the other two composites. Class II cavities must routinely be restored with amalgam, and composite "streets" must be strictly avoided.