Aesthetic properties of three type II glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cements

The aesthetic properties of three recently marketed Type II glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cements were evaluated in a combined laboratory and clinical study. The materials investigated were Fuji Cap II, ChemFil II in capsules and Ketac-fil Aplicap. The aesthetic properties of a glass ionomer restoration were represented by its translucency, the colour match with surrounding enamel and marginal adaptation. The translucency of all shades of the selected glass ionomer cements was measured under laboratory conditions and expressed as the optical density on transillumination. Colour match and marginal adaptation were evaluated in a clinical study. Twenty Class V restorations of each of the three products were placed. After finishing, the marginal adaptation was rated by two clinicians and colour slides of the restoration were made. Five clinicians assessed the colour match of the restorations from colour slides. ChemFil II and Ketac-fil Aplicap shades were considerably more translucent than the Fuji Cap II shades. The colour match of the ChemFil II restorations was significantly better than the Fuji Cap II and Ketac-fil Aplicap restorations. Marginal adaptation was judged excellent for all three products.