Dental amalgam controversy (unlike composites), and is often about 20-30% less expensive. "Consumer Reports" has suggested that many who claim dental amalgam is not safe are "prospecting for disease" and using pseudoscience to scare patients into more lucrative treatment options. Those opposed to amalgam use suggest that modern composites are improving in strength. In addition to their claims of possible health and ethical issues, opponents of dental amalgam fillings claim amalgam fillings contribute to mercury contamination of the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that health care facilities, including dental offices, account for as much as 5% of total waste water mercury
Amalgam (dentistry) properties of amalgam. Creep or plastic deformation happens when subjected to intra-oral stresses such as chewing or grinding. Creep causes the amalgam to flow and protrudes from the margin of the cavity forming unsupported edges. ‘Ditch’ is formed around the margins of the amalgam restoration and make it prone to fracture. The γ2 phase of amalgam is primarily responsible for high values of creep. Corrosion occurs when an electrolytic cells of anode and cathode set up in the presence of electrolytes. The multiphase structure of dental amalgam can contribute as an anode or cathode with saliva as electrolytes. Corrosion may