Tensile bond strength between glass ionomer cements and composite resins

Etching or roughening the surface of glass ionomer cement before use of composite resins and bond agents produces bond strengths comparable to the bond strength between glass ionomers and dentin. Bond failure at such surfaces occurs within the glass ionomer. Adequate washing with water after acid etching the glass ionomer is essential to obtain optimal bond strength. Apparently, some combinations of ionomer cements and resins are more effective than are others in providing a good bond in the "sandwich technique".