Glass Ionomer is a Material Unlike Any Other
Glass ionomers provide a powerful tool as a restorative material. Able to be used in a variety of restorative treatment, glass ionomers are unique in their ability to physically and chemically bond to the tooth’s structure without the need to etch or prime. Designed with esthetics and durability in mind, they help create the best patient outcomes in certain restorative procedures.
Introduced in 1972 as a derivative of silicate cements and the polycarboxylate cements, glass ionomer cement was unique in its ability to release fluoride, enhancing esthetics for restorative cases. The material was stronger and less soluble, which allowed clinicians to utilize it in Class III and Class V cavity preparations.
Glass ionomer can also uniquely prevent caries through the aforementioned fluoride release. Not only can it prevent, but also, in cases where caries may already exist, the glass ionomer cement can protect the margins from reoccuring caries.
This material can be used frequently because of its versatility and ease of use, making it a great boon to clinicians who may be looking to make their restorative procedures more efficient and cost-effective. It can be used as a restorative material or a base for a composite resin overlay. Practically applied, glass ionomer cement can be a great help in bolstering a practice’s restorative procedure techniques.
These restorative materials can provide solutions in unique cases. In this month’s roundup, we present a variety of glass ionomers and resin-modified glass ionomers that the industry has to offer.
Maxima® RGI Glass Ionomer
The Maxima® RGI Glass Ionomer is a light-curing, radiopaque glass ionomer restorative material with good handling properties and outstanding esthetics. This product features high chemical adhesion and compressive strength and is used in Class I fillings, temporary fillings, Class III and V restorations that are primarily cervical filling, and root caries.
Henry Schein
800-372-4346 | henryschein.com
EQUIA Forte® HT
EQUIA Forte® HT is a long-term bulk fill restorative system with enhanced mechanical properties, superior fluoride release, improved translucency, and sound marginal seal. This new glass hybrid innovation was achieved through introduction of ultrafine, highly reactive glass and high-molecular weight polyacrylic acid powder within conventional glass, which ensures advanced mechanical properties with improved flow and nonsticky handling.
GC America Inc.
800-323-7063 | www.gcamerica.com
GlasIonomer FX-II
GlasIonomer FX-II is a minimally invasive glass ionomer ideal for direct restorations on high-caries pediatric and geriatric patients. The material is shown to have above-average levels of fluoride release and recharge. The strength and adherence of FX-II, along with thermal expansion properties similar to natural teeth, provide far less strain on the restoration. Additional features include high radiopacity and low acid erosion levels.
Shofu
800-827-4638 | shofu.com
IonoStar and Ionolux
VOCO offers a variety of glass ionomers restoratives to satisfy the needs of every clinician and indication. The simplified and easy-to-use direct-application capsule design does not require an activator and fits all branded glass ionomer applicators/dispensers. The IonoStar and Ionolux glass ionomers do not require a dentin conditioner. This design eliminates air bubbles and mixing errors. Immediately packable and sculptable after insertion, IonoStar and Ionolux provide the clinician with a biocompatible solution with controlled working times and a high fluoride release.
VOCO
888-658-2584 | vocoamerica.com
Riva Self Cure HV
SDI’s Easy Activation Technology draws on 50 years of dental research innovation. This innovation is designed to make it 70% easier to press down and activate Riva glass ionomer capsules, making restoration preparation even easier. The Easy Activation technology is available in all Riva Self Cure and Riva Light Cure product ranges. The Easy Activation technology also delivers improved extrusion control. Easy Activation capsules are formulated to be 70% easier to extrude than glass hybrid and glass ionomer capsules from other manufacturers. This innovation minimizes hand tremors and muscle stress, giving dentists more stability and control when placing restorations.
SDI
800-228-5166 | sdi.com.au
3M Ketac™ Universal Aplicap™
Ketac Universal Aplicap is a radiopaque, fluoride-releasing glass ionomer restorative. Self-adhesive and self-curing, it eliminates the need for conditioning, coating or light-curing steps. It can be used for restricted stress-bearing Class I and II restorations and can also be placed in bulk, no need for layering. The aplicap delivery system gives dentists better access to deep cavities.
3M
800-634-2249 | 3m.com/oralcare
Geristore®
Geristore® from DenMat is a self-adhesive, resin-modified glass ionomer that can be used for a variety of restorative issues. It is said to have good biocompatibility that allows for easy tissue reattachment. It can be used for subgingival restorations, base and liner material, for recementing of crowns and bridges, as a pulp capping agent, and for abfraction lesions and root resorption lesions.
DenMat
800-433-6628 | denmat.com
The Nexus RMGI
The Nexus RMGI from KavoKerr is a resin-modified glass ionomer luting cement that combines cleanup, tack cure capability, and enhanced bond strength for patient outcomes. The tack cure is said to be between 2 and 3 seconds, and the gel state is achieved when cement reaches its rubbery consistency. It is said to feature enhanced color matching and consistency, and patients will be pleased with the increased esthetics. It is formulated to have outstanding durability as well as improved esthetics for the best patient response and outcomes.
KavoKerr
800-537-7123 | kerrdental.com
Kavitan™ Plus
Kavitan™ Plus is a radiopaque glass ionomer cement designed to be a self-curing restorative material suitable for a variety of restorative procedures including Class III and V fillings; Class I, III, and V laminated fillings; and temporary fillings, among others. It is said to have enhanced esthetic features and adequate bond strength. Designed to provide both quality and inexpensive, the Kavitan Plus can be utilized for any standard technique. It has long-lasting bond and high compressive strength and is naturally biocompatible.
Pentron
800-551-0283 | pentron.com
Download Issue: Dental Products Report September 2021
