Restorative Glass Ionomer Cements

The advent of glass-ionomer cement in dentistry has expanded its clinical applications, offering efficient and improved outcomes. These tooth-coloured restorations exhibit low technique sensitivity, chemically bonding to both sound and caries-affected tooth structures. Glass-ionomer cements release fluoride, protecting against recurrent caries. These materials play a significant role in modern restorative dentistry, owing to their adhesive, tooth-coloured, and fluoride-releasing properties. With applications in restorative, lining, luting, and sealing procedures, they stand out for their versatility, unmatched by other restorative materials. 

How to use Restorative Glass Ionomer Cement:

To prevent early failure of glass ionomer cement during the restorative process, several precautions are crucial:

• Clean and dry the prepared cavity thoroughly. Prior treatment with weak acid solutions, such as polyacrylic acid (10 to 25%), enhances the adhesive characteristics by improving surface energy and wetting ability.
• Maintain the proper powder-liquid ratio to ensure the ideal consistency of the glass ionomer cement.
• Shake the powder vial before use, especially for anhydrous cement, to prevent excessive mixing of glass particles or lyophilized acid with the liquid.
• Position the liquid bottle vertically at a distance from the glass plate to allow a free drop output during dispensing.
• Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions regarding the mixing time for optimal consistency and performance.
• Ensure that the material to be inserted exhibits a wet brightness, indicating the right moisture level for effective application.
• Exercise caution during material insertion to avoid the formation of bubbles inside the restoration. The use of a Centrix syringe can be effective in preventing bubbles.
• Take precautions to prevent wet contamination during the restoration process.
• Press the material with a matrix for a specified duration, typically 1 minute, to ensure proper adaptation and placement within the prepared cavity.
• During the initial removal of excess material, use...