Abstract: The objective of this paper was to observe and analyze the effects of glass iono m er, light-fixing composite resin and silver amalgam on restoring wedge-shaped tooth defects. Among 312 wedge-shaped tooth defects of 166 patients were r estored by using glass ionomer, light-fixing composite resin and silver amalgam . Continuous observations were followed up for 1.5～2 years. The results were that 108 teeth were restored by glass ionomer, the successful rate was 82.4%; 104 teeth were re s tored by light-fixing composite resin, the successful rate was 76.0%; 100 teeth we re restored with silver amalgam, the successful rate was 66.0%. Compared with t hre e different type of restoring materials P< 0.05, there was significa nt differ ence. Thus, conclusions can be drawn that the three different type of restoring materials have different advantages and defects. All restoring materials are not perfect. Further research is needed to develop a good material, which has all t he advantages of the three types of material, and overcome their disadvantages. From the aspect of good quality and reasonable price, the glass ionomer is r elatively desirable.

Key words: wedge-shaped defect, glass ionomer, light-fixing composite resin, silver amalgam