Final answer:
Today's generation of amalgam restorations require less polishing due to improved corrosion resistance, enhanced color stability, increased surface hardness, and better marginal adaptation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Today's generation of amalgam restorations do not require as much polishing as earlier amalgams due to several factors:
- Improved corrosion resistance: Modern amalgams are made with improved materials that are more resistant to corrosion, reducing the need for frequent polishing.
- Enhanced color stability: The newer amalgam materials have better color stability, meaning they are less likely to discolor or stain over time, resulting in less need for polishing.
- Increased surface hardness: Today's amalgam restorations have higher surface hardness, making them more resistant to wear and less prone to surface irregularities that require polishing.
- Better marginal adaptation: Modern amalgams are designed to better adapt to the tooth structure, resulting in smoother margins that require less polishing.