Resin-modified glass ionomer restorations in primary molars: a comparison of three in vitro procedures

In recent years, interest in the use of glass ionomer cements as a restorative material has been increased. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microleakage of a glass ionomer restorative material (Vitremer TM) in Class V cavities of primary molars using three different application procedures. The experimental material consisted of 24 freshly extracted human primary molars in which a standardized class V cavities were prepared and restored with Vitremer utilizing three different application procedures (Vitremer with conditioner, with conditioner and primer or with primer). Teeth were covered with green stick compound and nail polish except approximately 1 mm from the class V cavities margins. Later, teeth were immersed in 5% methylene blue for 4 hours, rinsed with water and embedded in acrylic resin. The marginal microleakage was assessed according to the degree of dye penetration of the occlusal and cervical margins. The results showed no significant difference between the three different application procedures. However, the occlusal margin microleakage was significantly higher than the cervical margin (P = 0.0079). It was concluded that using different application procedures of Vitremer, including the recommendations of the manufacturer does not affect microleakage of class V cavities in primary molars.