An aesthetic, high-quality dental filling made of fluoro-alumino-silicate glass with an aqueous solution of polyalkenoic acid
Glass ionomer cements are direct filling materials. The mixture sets solely through a chemical reaction. However, glass ionomer materials can also be mixed with a resin containing photoinitiators and then also cured by light.
Advantages
- Natural appearance, colour close to that of a healthy tooth
- Fluoride content, which helps prevent decay under and around the filling
- The fillings can also take up and store fluoride
- They do not need to be layered like light-cured composites
- Bonds very well to enamel and dentine
- Can be applied even when the enamel is completely missing
- Suitable for fillings in children too
Disadvantages
- Lower polishability and fewer shades
- A protective varnish must be applied while it sets
