Physicochemical nature of glass-ionomer-based materials and their clinical performance

Abstract

This chapter outlines the physical and chemical properties of glass-ionomer (GIC) and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements. The latter part proceeds to summarise various aspects of their clinical performance. It is noted that these materials are brittle in nature when fully matured or set. Glass-ionomer cements, due to the process of the setting reaction, reach their full strength about 24 h after the initial mixing. The resin-modified materials have an additional hydrophilic resin included that improves early strength and aesthetics but importantly reduces the initial sensitivity to water, allowing early finishing shortly after placement. Application of a resin coating on the surface of GIC..