Clinical application of a direct placement mercury-free alloy.

This article provides information about a recently introduced, mercury-free restorative alloy. This direct placement alloy uses gallium rather than mercury to mix the alloy particles. The material has recently been approved for use in the United States. Although its handling and physical properties are similar in most ways to amalgam, there are a few differences that require careful attention to assure success for the restoration. This article discusses these handling characteristics, the procedures for placement, and offers specific directions and recommendations to avoid potential problems with its use. Information on recent clinical research is included in the article.