Glass Ionomer Cements
A glass ionomer cement is a type of dental restorative material used in dentistry as a filling and luting cement, including for orthodontic bracket attachment. Glass-ionomer cements are based on the reaction of silicate glass-powder and polyacrylic acid, an ionomer. Occasionally water is used instead of an acid, altering the properties of the material and its uses but it is done rarely.
Clinical uses
Various clinical uses of glass ionomer compounds as restorative materials are stated below
Cermets which are essentially metal reinforced glass ionomer cements, which are used to aid in restoring tooth loss as a result of decay or cavities near the gingival margin, or the tooth roots, though cermets can be incorporated at other sites on various teeth, depending on the case and function required.
Used to treat dental recession.
As pit and fissure sealants to seal the small fissures to stop progression of the cavity.
Used in root canal treatments as core build up materials.
Used in fixing dental crowns or prosthesis.
Sealants combined with fluoride varnishes are used in prevention of dental caries.
Used in fixing orthodontic braces.
Used in proximal cavity restorations in anterior teeth to maintain aesthetics.
Glass ionomers can be used in dentin surface treatment which may be useful in undercut cavities.
Used as permanent filling material in classI and classII cavities.
Used in mild attrition cases to prevent sensitivity.
Advantages
Glass ionomer sealants are thought to prevent caries by steady release of fluoride over a prolonged period and the fissures are more resistant to demineralization, even after the visible loss of sealant material.
These sealants have hydrophilic properties, allowing them to be an alternative of the hydrophobic resin cements in the wet oral cavity. Resin-based sealants are easily destroyed by saliva contamination and hence it adds to the advantages of GIC.
Chemically curable glass ionomer cements are considered safe from allergic reactions, but a few have been reported with resin-based materials. Glass ionomer cements are hence considered as biocompatible cements.
They are present in various forms to be used in different situations and cases.
Glass ionomer cements are aesthetic in nature or in other sense they resemble the natural teeth.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of glass ionomer sealants or cements is inadequate retention or simply lack of strength
Lack of toughness
Limited wear resistance.
Types Of Glass Ionomer Cements
Type I: Luting
Type II: Restorative
Type III: Liner or Bases
Type IV: Pit and fissure sealants
Type V: Luting for orthodontic purpose
Type VI: Core build up material
Type VII: Fluoride releasing
Type VIII: Atraumatic restorative treatment
Type XI: Pediatric glass ionomer cements