title: Glass-ionomer cements in restorative dentistry.
abstract: This article reviews the current status and future prospects for glass-ionomer materials. These materials are of two chemical types: the older, self-hardening cements, which set by an acid-base neutralization reaction to give relatively brittle materials; and the newer, resin-modified cements, which set partly by polymerization and partly by neutralization. Compared with the self-hardening cements, the latter materials have improved esthetics, improved resistance to moisture, and greater toughness. Both types of glass-ionomer cement bond well to enamel and dentin and release a clinically useful amount of fluoride. They have been used in a variety of applications: as liners or bases, for luting of stainless steel crowns, for Class V restorations in permanent teeth, and for Class II and Class III restorations in primary teeth. The resin-modified glass-ionomers are particularly promising for these latter uses, although it is too early to be sure whether their long-term durability is sufficient. Self-hardening glass-ionomer materials are likely to retain specific niches of clinical application, including in their metal-reinforced and cermet-containing forms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Biomaterials Science, King's Dental Institute, University of London, England, United Kingdom. j.nicholson@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Croll
mesh_terms: D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018772:Dental Marginal Adaptation; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005544:Forecasting; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements