A restorative dentistry renaissance for children: light-hardened glass ionomer/resin cement

The light-hardened glass ionomer/resin dental restorative material was introduced in 1992. Its formula includes 80 percent glass ionomer material combined with a 20 percent visible light polymerized resin component. The authors have completed over 1300 class I, class III, and class V restorations in primary teeth, using the new material. The new material is considered by the authors to be a great improvement over the self-hardening glass ionomers. The addition of the 20 percent light-hardened resin component to the glass ionomer formula gives the material an initial setting time under sixty seconds, and improves resistance to wear and fracture.