Glass Ionomer Cements

Author(s): Joel H. Berg DDS MS
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Volume (number): 24:5
Month, Year: 2002
Major topic: A thousand and one uses for glass ionomer and resin modified glass ionomer
Type of Article: Position paper

Overview of method of research: Literature review and anecdotal evidence

Findings: The unique characteristics of glass ionomer cements lend itself to a variety of dental procedures either as the primary or secondary protocol. Sealants; resin based sealants are the most effective when placed properly, but glass ionomer cements can be used in young children whose teeth are difficult to isolate, partially erupted teeth and in transitional situations. Luting cements; glass ionomers can be used as a luting cement on pre-treated surfaces. Glass ionomers and resin modified glass ionomers are used regularly and highly successfully to cement SSC’s while resin modified glass ionomers are used to cement lab-fabricated crowns. Both resin and unmodified glass ionomers are recommended for orthodontic band cementation; the fluoride releasing properties help prevent demineralization. The glass ionomers bind more strongly to the tooth than the band and must often be scaled or drilled off. Glass ionomer has been used as orthodontic bracket adhesive but with limited success, although it can be used in the posterior in difficult to isolate patients. Glass ionomers are also used very successfully as cavity liners due to their ability to seal a cavity, release fluoride, thermal coefficient of expansion and bonding to dentin. Glass ionomer can also be used as a dentinal adhesive as part of the “sandwich technique”, where the GI is covered in resin composite for aesthetics and durability. GI and RMGI can be used to restore small Class I restorations where durability is less of an issue, for Class II and III restorations in primary teeth, Class V “baby bottle caries” in small children and infants or in adults posteriors where esthetics is not an issue, dentin replacement for buildup after pulp treatment and ART.

Key points/Summary : GI and RMGI can be considered the primary material for SSC and lab fabricated crown cementation, orthodontic bracket cementation and as a cavity liner. GI and RMGI should be considered secondarily for sealants, certain restorations and as luting cements. Many of the ideas presented are no longer valid due to the advent of successful resin composite dentin bonding but the fluoride releasing property of glass ionomer should not be overlooked.
Assessment of article: This guy LOVES glass ionomer. He enumerates a lot of good uses but several would be kind of a stretch.

Brian Schmid DMD