The clinical use of glass-ionomer cements--future and current developments

Although the glass-ionomer cements were developed in the 1970s, it is only recently that their clinical use has expanded internationally. Improvements in formulation have resulted in better mechanical strengths, increased translucency and, more importantly, faster setting times. Their use as 'dentine substitutes' has expanded the versatility of laminate restorations in anterior and posterior teeth and the introduction of the silver-cermet ionomers provided materials with increased abrasion resistance. Glass-ionomer cements have a number of unique properties, including adhesion to moist tooth structure, biological compatibility, and anticariogenic properties due to their fluoride release. One of the major roles is the treatment of early carious lesions using microcavity preparation. However, like all materials, glass-ionomer cements have their weaknesses, the prime ones being lack of toughness, early water sensitivity, and porosity leading to poor surface polish. Future research should concentrate on correcting these deficiencies.