GIC was introduced in 1972 by Wilson and Kent.It was developed in attempt to combine the favorable properties of silicate cement and polycarboxylate cement.The first introduced GIC was opaque, limited shade selections, mixing and handling problems and technic sensitivity. 

Glass: silicate glass powder

Ionomer: ionomeric acid

Other name: Polyalkenoate cement 

Their are basically three types of GICs- 

Type 1- for luting application 

Type 2- for restorative material 

Type 3- for liners/ base

Composition

Powder- acid-soluble calcium fluoroalmine silicate glass.

Liquid- aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid in concentration of about 50%
Acid is in the form of copolymer of itaconic maleic acid or tricarboxylic acid.Tartaric acid is also present in the liquid.It improves handling characteristic and increase working time , decreases setting time.

Water soluble GIC / Anhydrous GIC

To extend working time,Shorter setting time

Glass Ionomer Formation:-

One– freeze dried powder and glass powder bottle

Another bottle- Water or water with tartaric acid 

Chemistry of setting:-

When powder with liquid are mix to form paste, surface of glass particle is attached by acid.Calcium,Aluminium,fluoride ions are leached into the aqueous medium.Poly acrylic acid chains are cross linked by calcium ions and form a solid mass.
Within next 24 hours a new phase forms in which aluminium ions become bound in the cement mixture.This leads to more rigid set cement.

Structure of GIC:-

The solid particle represent unreacted glass particle surrounded by gel that form when aluminium ions and calcium ions are leached from glass as a result of attack of poly acrylic acid.The calcium ions and aluminium ions form polysalts with carboxylate ion group of polyacrylic acid so forms a cross linked structure.

Physical preparation:-

1)Fracture toughness- measure of energy required to fracture. Fracture toughness of GIC is inferior to composite.

2)Mechanism of adhesion- Chemical bonding

3)Biological properties- Biocompatible,Greater pulp response than ZOE but less than ZnPO4.

Critical procedure for glass ionomer restoration:-

1)Surface preparation- 

Pumice wash

•Use 10% Poly acrylic acid for 10 second followed by rinsing with water for 30 second.

2)Preparation of material- Paper pad mixing should be done.

3)Placement of material- mixed cement is placed immediately by plastic instrument.Pre shaped matrix is applied,it provides maximum contour, prevents gain/loosing of water during initial set.

4)Surface finishing of set cement- final finishing delayed for 24 hrs.

Post operative procedure– Coat of varnish / resin for protection

Metal modified GIC


GIC lack toughness and hence they can’t withstand high stress concentration.GIC have been modified by inclusion of metal fillers particle to improve strength, fracture toughness, wear resistance.
There are two types of metal modified GIC,

Ag ALLOY ADMIX (Miracle mix)

It is formed by mixing spherical Ag amalgam alloy powder with type 2 glass ionomer powder.

•Glass powder fused to Ag particles

It involves fusing glass powder to Ag particle by high temperature rintering  of mixture of two powder.It is common called as cermet.

Metal reinforced GIC 

General properties-

 Metallic fillers have little or no more influence on mechanical properties. These materials which are indicated for use on occlusan surface in primary molars.Perform well initially but do not perform any better than conventional GIC when placed in long term contact free surface. Under in vitro acid both exhibits similar degree of wear.
Both metal reinforced systems release fluoride initially but magnitude decreases over time.Less fluoride is released from cermet.

Mechanical properties- 

-Strength: Of either type of metal modified cermet is not greatly improved over that of conventional GICs.

-Fracture toughness: extremely low as compared to composite resin and amalgam.

Wear resistance: similar to other materials

Anti cariogenic properties: Both have anticariogenic properties due to fluoride release. Cermet release less fluoride since glass particle is metal coated.

Esthetic: Gray in color. Unsuitable for anterior teeth.

Contributor- Dr. Somya Deep Kaur 

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