Marginal closure of non-gamma2 amalgam.

In order to investigate the effect of burnishing on the marginal closure of non-gamma2 amalgam restorations, a single-composition high-copper alloy (Indiloy), a conventional lathe-cut alloy (Lunargent Alloy), and a conventional spherical alloy (Shofu Spherical) were each mixed with mercury and filled in transparent plastic cavities. Half of the specimens were burnished along the cavity margins immediately after packing and again after carving. The remainder was unburnished. A dye was sprayed on their occlusal surfaces after 24 hr and leakage indicated by the dye penetration was observed through the plastic walls, and following facts were found: 1. Burnishing markedly decreased the leakage of all type alloy amalgams. 2. When burnished, the marginal leakage with the high-copper alloy was remarkably less than with the conventional spherical alloy but slightly more than that with the lathe-cut alloy. 3. The difference in the marginal leakage and in the effect of burnishing among the three amalgams was apparently related to their setting dimensional change curves.