Comparison of tarnish level in two types of high- copper dental amalgams with lathe-cut and spherical particles produced in Iran

There are two types of high-copper dental amalgams produced in Iran; Cinalloy (lathe-cut particles) and Cinalux (spherical particles). Tarnish is one of the disadvantages of dental amalgam, which precedes corrosion, and in fact it means real destruction of restorative materials. The purpose of this study was to compare the extent of tarnish in Cinalux and Cinalloy amalgams. 32 patients, with at least two carious or poorly restored teeth were selected. Then, each tooth was restored with one of these two types of dental amalgams. The restorations were polished after 24 hours and patients were followed up after 9 months. The restorations were categorized in four groups of no change, one plus (1-30%), two plus (30-60%) and three plus (more than 60%) according to the level of discoloration. The results showed that the level of tarnish in Cinalux group was significantly less than Cinalloy group. The mean of tarnish for Cinalloy and Cinalux was 2.09±0.59 and 1.72±0.68 respectively. In addition, statistical analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between tarnish and Oral hygiene, smoking, operator or type and place of restoration.