Therapeutic effect of glass‐ionomers: an overview of evidence

Abstract

The requirements for an ideal restorative material include adhesion to tooth structure (enamel and dentine) and an ability to withstand the traumas of occlusion. However, some level of an anticaries effect is also desirable. After a long history of glass-ionomer cement (GIC) development, an evidence base in support of the therapeutic effect of GIC, particularly with regard to its anticaries effect, is emerging. This evidence is increasingly presented through systematic reviews of clinical GIC application and, to a certain extent, relates to a caries-preventive effect of the material itself. However, the strength of evidence supporting other aspects of GIC, such as a higher remineralizing effect, fluoride uptake in hard tooth tissue and fluoride release of GIC, is limited. Nevertheless, the results of these in situ and laboratory trials provide valuable insights into factors that facilitate understanding of the clinical efficacy of GIC.Keywords: Glass-ionomer cement, caries, systematic review evidence.Abbreviations and acronyms: ART = Atraumatic Restorative Treatment; ASPA II = alumino-silicate polyacrylic acid; GIC = glass-ionomer cement; KHN = Knoop hardness number; RCT = randomized control trial; RR = restorative risk.

Quantification of color variation of restorative materials used on pediatric dentistry after pigmentation

“…The conventional GIC are widely used in children and can be used as sealants for pits and fissures, cavity liner, cementing agents and as filling material 5 . They are also profusely used in Atraumatic Restorative Treatment, since they have the ability to remineralize the dental hard tissues 6 .…”

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of selected conventional glass ionomer cements on human gingival fibroblasts

“…[5][6][7][8] Unfortunately, because of their disadvantages, including low mechanical strength, long setting time and high sensitivity to moisture at the beginning of curing, the first products from this group were criticized by clinicians. [5][6][7][8] However, these materials had some indisputable advantages: chemical adhesion to mineralized tooth tissues, remineralization and antibacterial properties. [5][6][7][8] For these reasons, conventional glass ionomer cements (GIC) have been modernized.…”

“…[5][6][7][8] However, these materials had some indisputable advantages: chemical adhesion to mineralized tooth tissues, remineralization and antibacterial properties. [5][6][7][8] For these reasons, conventional glass ionomer cements (GIC) have been modernized. They are widely used in dentistry, particularly as materials for reconstructing missing hard tissues in deciduous teeth.…”

“…2,4 Glass ionomer cements were launched in the dentistry market in the 1970s. [5][6][7][8] Their composition was based on fluoroaluminosilicate glass and a liquid part, usually a water solution of polyalkenoic acid. [5][6][7][8] Unfortunately, because of their disadvantages, including low mechanical strength, long setting time and high sensitivity to moisture at the beginning of curing, the first products from this group were criticized by clinicians.…”

“…[5][6][7][8] Their composition was based on fluoroaluminosilicate glass and a liquid part, usually a water solution of polyalkenoic acid. [5][6][7][8] Unfortunately, because of their disadvantages, including low mechanical strength, long setting time and high sensitivity to moisture at the beginning of curing, the first products from this group were criticized by clinicians. [5][6][7][8] However, these materials had some indisputable advantages: chemical adhesion to mineralized tooth tissues, remineralization and antibacterial properties.…”