Therapeutic properties of glass‐ionomer cements: Their application to orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Fluoride has been shown to be an effective agent in the prevention of caries during orthodontic treatment. Resin‐modified glass‐ionomer cements possess therapeutic anticariogenic properties acting as a fluoride reservoir and releasing fluoride into the environment, particularly at low pH where there is a threat of enamel demineralisation and white spot lesions (WSL’s). Patient compliance to instructions in standard oral hygiene measures limits the success of caries prevention and the routine use of glass‐ionomer cements can mitigate the lack of compliance, although RMGIC’s are not a panacea against WSL’s. The adhesion of GIC’s to the enamel surface is a physicochemical bond rather than a mechanical bond which reduces the risk of iatrogenic damage to the enamel when bonding and debonding attachments. RMGIC’s can be recommended as a bonding adhesive for all attachments but one needs to be selective when bonding molar attachments to avoid occlusal interferences as masticatory forces can be high in these areas.

Comparison of Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets Onto the Tooth Enamel of 120 Freshly Extracted Adult Bovine Medial Lower Incisors Using 4 Adhesives: A Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Adhesive, a Composite Adhesive, a Liquid Composite Adhesive, and a One-Step Light-Cured Adhesive

“…Because the monomers responsible for etching are also responsible for bonding, the depth of the demineralized zone corresponds to the penetration depth of the polymerized adhesive. As a consequence, there are no problems with insufficient penetration depth, which improves the quality of the bond and benefits the long-term treatment process [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Fluoride exchange by glass-ionomer dental cements and its clinical effects: a review

“…Despite the doubts, there is evidence of effectiveness in some clinical applications, at least. Studies have shown that resin-modified glass-ionomers are good adhesives for orthodontic brackets [ 93 , 94 ] and, in particular, the problem of white spot lesions adjacent to cemented brackets that arise from enamel demineralization with certain adhesives, do not occur with glass-ionomers. Studies have also shown that resin-modified glass-ionomers as bonding agents for orthodontic brackets are associated with reduced enamel demineralization [ 95 ].…”

Shear bond strength of a RMGIC for orthodontic bracket bonding to enamel

“…For this reason, the development of these materials has led to the introduction of RMGICs in orthodontics. These materials, with their improved mechanical properties, offer several advantages compared with composite resins [ 14 – 17 ]: prevention of white spot lesions [ 18 ] by fluoride release [ 19 ] and cariogenic bacterial growth inhibition [ 20 ], reduction in the risk of iatrogenic damage to the enamel during debonding [ 20 , 21 ], preservation of weakened enamel (molar incisor hypomineralization, amelogenesis imperfecta, etc.) [ 22 ] and tolerance to humidity [ 20 , 21 ].…”