3-year clinical evaluation of glass ionomer cements as Class III restorations

Two glass ionomer restorative materials, Chelon and Ketac-Fil were placed in Class III cavity preparations and compared to a conventional composite resin. Patients were recalled at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years for evaluation using the USPHS-Ryge criteria. The glass ionomer cements compared favorably to the composite resin in color match, anatomic form, and caries rate, but did exhibit substancial cavosurface discoloration and marginal deterioration. However, post-operative sensitivity was not evident, and no restorations required replacement during the 3 years.