Modification of glass ionomer cements

Glass Ionomer cement (the term was coined by B.E. Kent) has been described as a hybrid of silicate cements and zinc polycarboxylates. Scientific efforts were devoted to improving properties to make it a fully practical material for anterior and posterior restorations and secondarily properties were modified to extend its range of application. First half of 90's witnessed modifications that replace part or most of the original formulation with alternative filler particles or matrix setting reactions to make these materials more composite like. This article focuses on the various modifications of the basic Glass ionomer cement.