glass ionomer cement

INTRODUCTION Glass ionomer cement is a tooth coloured material, introduced by Wilson & Kent in 1972.Material was based on reaction between silicate glass powder & polyacrylic acid.They bond chemically to tooth structure & release fluoride for relatively long period.

CLASSIFICATION
  1. Type I: For luting
  2. Type II: For restoration
  3. Type III: For liner & bases
  4. Type IV: Fissure & sealent
  5. Type V: As Orthodontic cement
  6. Type VI: For core build up
  7. Type VII: Restorative esthetic
  8. Type VIII: Restorative reinforced
  9. Type IX: Pediatric and geriatric
Indications:
  1. Restoring of erosion/ abrasion lesions without cavity preparation.
  2. Sealing and filling of occlusal pits and fissures
  3. Restoration of deciduous teeth.
  4. Restoration of class III lesions, preferably using a lingual approach with labial plate intact.
  5. Repair of defective margins in restorations
  6. Minimal cavity preparations – Approximal lesions, Buccal and Occlusal approach (tunnel preparation)
  7. Core build-up
Advantages:
  1. Polymerisation shrinkage is less,due to reduced bulk of composite.
  2. Favorable pulpal response.
  3. Chemical bond to the tooth.
  4. Anticariogenic property.
  5. Better strength,finishing,esthetics of overlying composite resin.
  6. Microleakage is reduced
  7. Minimization of no. of composite increments, therefore time is saved
Disadvantages :
  1. Brittle
  2. Soluble
  3. Abrasive
  4. Water sensitive during setting phase.
  5. Some products release less fluoride than conventional GIC
  6. Not inherently radiopaque though addition of radiodense additives such as barium can alter radiodensity
  7. Less aesthetic than composite