Long-Term Performance of Glass-Hybrid Restorations in Permanent Posterior Teeth

Since their introduction in the early 1970s, glass-ionomer cements (GICs) have been broadly accepted for clinical applications such as crown buildups, cementation, and bases under fillings. However, their acceptance as a direct restorative material has been limited comparatively speaking, especially for permanent posterior teeth. This is due primarily to the perception that GICs are not as esthetic or durable as composite resin materials. Dentists tend to restrict their use of GIC to primary teeth, geriatric applications, and other clinical situations where patients exhibit poor oral hygiene or where a high level of fluoride release is desirable. Surprisingly, clinical studies have shown that while GICs do have a higher initial wear versus composites, they exhibit very similar long-term wear and retention over extended periods.