Marginal leakage of class II glass ionomer-composite resin restorations: an in vitro study

This in vitro study assessed the sealing properties of two metal-reinforced glass ionomer cements, used as "extended bases" in glass ionomer-composite resin restorations. Two class II cavities were prepared in the proximal surfaces of 30 molars. The gingival margin of one was prepared in enamel and the other in cementum/dentin. Fifteen teeth (30 cavities) were restored with Ketac Silver material used as an extended base (group A). In the remaining 15 teeth (30 cavities), the extended base was in Miracle Mix material (group B). All occlusal surfaces were restored with Estilux Posterior Material. The restored teeth were thermocycled, immersed in fuchsin, washed in water, embedded, sectioned, and examined under a dissecting microscope. All restorations with margins in cementum/dentin of group A (Ketac Silver) leaked. No microleakage occurred in 12 of the 30 restorations with margins in cementum/dentin of group B (Miracle Mix). In addition, severe microleakage was present in 24 teeth of group A, as opposed to three in group B. It was concluded that the sealing properties of Miracle Mix material are superior to those of Ketac Silver material, in vitro.