Dental amalgam, which constitutes nearly 75% of all restorative materials used in dental practice, has been used successfully for almost 150 years. Dental amalgam is low in cost, easy to use, consistent, and durable. Although amalgams have been challenged by more esthetic restorative materials and by fears of mercury toxicity, amalgams continue to be the materials of choice by most practitioners. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of amalgam alloys and predicts that one day, amalgam probably will be replaced by more esthetic materials that truly bond to all hard tooth surfaces.