The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical behavior of ceramic class-II inlays (Dicor) in the first 2 years after placement. As a reference, a similar number of dental amalgam restorations were followed up during the same period. Twenty-five inlays and 25 dental amalgams were placed on premolars and first molars of 20 and 19 patients (15-19 years old), respectively. The inlay preparations were made in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and the inlays were produced by a licensed Dicor laboratory. The inlays were luted, using a glass ionomer cement. The dental amalgam preparations were made using standard class-II preparation techniques and filled with ANA 2000. The inlays were evaluated after 6, 12, and 24 months, and the dental amalgam restorations after 24 months, using the criteria suggested by Ryge. In addition, the 24-month examination included proximal recording of dental plaque and gingivitis. With the exception of two inlays that fractured during the observation period, all ceramic inlays showed excellent ratings for anatomic form, marginal discoloration, and marginal caries at all examinations. Two inlays showed minor marginal defects but were classified within the range of acceptance with no need for replacement. The two fractured inlays were replacements of earlier fractured dental amalgams. The clinical behavior of the dental amalgam restorations was in most respects similar to that of the ceramic inlays. Unlike the inlays, however, no dental amalgams fractured during the observation period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)