Restorative and luting material
Glass Ionomer
Glass ionomer cement is a restorative material that chemically bonds to tooth structure and releases fluoride, making it useful in specific applications like filling cavities near the gumline, cementing crowns and bridges, and pediatric dentistry — though it has lower strength than composite for high-stress areas.
Common uses
- Restoring cavities near the gumline (root caries)
- Cementing crowns, bridges, and inlays
- Pediatric cavity fillings
- Liner material under other restorations
Advantages
- + Chemical bond to tooth structure — no etching required
- + Releases fluoride, which may help protect surrounding tooth structure
- + Contains no metals or BPA
Limitations
- − Lower strength and wear resistance than composite resin or ceramics
- − Not suitable for high-load areas or large posterior restorations where durability is a priority
- − Aesthetics generally inferior to modern composite
Frequently asked questions
Is glass ionomer a metal-free option?+
Yes — glass ionomer contains no metals. It is a silicate-glass and polyacid based material with no metal components.
When might a dentist choose glass ionomer over composite?+
Common situations include areas where moisture control is difficult (near the gumline), in pediatric applications where technique simplicity matters, or as a base or liner beneath another restoration.