Social Icons

Pages

Friday 8 April 2011

Glass Ionomer - Composite "sandwich" technique: when is the time to etch?

Glass-ionomer cements (GIs) are still the only true self-adhesive materials forming the chemical bond with tooth tissues. Despite the traditional classification to types of GIs, current scientific literature is dominated by a simpler and yet more informative classification to conventional and resin-modified GIs. This indicates information about materials' chemical composition, curing mode and clinical application steps.

The difference between conventional and resin-modified GIs is in the organic resin monomers added to the latter formula which enables prompt light-curing of the material using halogen or LED units. Light curing of resin creates favourable micro-environment for the conventional acid-base reaction between polyacrilic acid and glass particles. Improvements in material composition have led to improved mechanical properties although GIs are still inferior compared to resin-based composites. On the other hand, sensitivity to water imbalance, characteristic for early GIs, has been largely overcome in modern GIs both conventional and resin-modified. More information about GIs, their composition, properties and indications may be found in an excellent review article by Hewlett and Mount, published in 2003. [Full text]

One of the indications for GIs is the so-called "sandwich" technique with composite materials for large restorations on both vital and endodontically treated teeth. According to manufacturers' instructions both conventional and resin-modified GIs may be used for this purpose. Though it is widely known that early GIs were sensitive to water imbalance during setting, there is a certain controversy regarding this issue with current GIs. Due to this controversy, a clinical dilemma exists among dental practitioners when using GIs in combination with total-etch adhesives prior to composite placement. This dilemma is not about the acid but rather water rinsing afterwards. Simply, some practitioners are not convinced that GIs should be exposed to water so early after the setting (e.g. 3 minutes for FUJI IX GP Fast) or immediately after light curing of resin-modified GIs.

The manufacturer recommends the following protocol (Figure 1):
Figure 1. GC Europe recommends enamel etching after the placement of GI intermediary layer. (1) Old amalgam restoration; (2) Cavity preparation; (3) Conditioning; (4) Application of GI ; (5) GI layer ready; (6) Enamel etching; (7) Application of adhesive; (8) Light curing and (9)-(12) Placement of composite.
An alternative protocol suggested by some dental practitioners (Figure 2):

Figure 2. Enamel etching prior to the placement of GI. From left to right upper row: Cavity preparation; Conditioning; Enamel etching. From left to right bottom row: Application of GI; Application of adhesive; Final composite restoration.


The second approach does eliminate the possible adverse effect of water during acid rinsing. However, acid etching and rinsing prior to GI placement bears an inherent weakness - this approach requires impeccable precision. Dentin should not be etched if GI is to be placed since the mineral component required for chemical bonding will be lost. On the other hand, if adhesive is to be placed on dentin as well as on enamel, dentin should also be etched for proper micro-mechanical bonding of adhesive resin.

If one does not want to follow manufacturer's instructions and acid etch after the placement of the GI layer, then they should consider the use of self-etch adhesives instead of total-etch systems. One-step self-etch adhesives have shown inferior results regarding bond strength to dentin and enamel, degree of conversion, thickness of the hybrid layer, the quality of resin tags etc. On the other hand, current 2-step self-etch adhesives have shown satisfactory clinical and laboratory properties in a number of studies and are recommended as an alternative to total-etch adhesive systems.

In my practice, I always follow manufacturer's recommendations. In this case, I use resin-modified GIs for the "sandwich" technique and acid etch enamel after light curing of the GI intermediary layer.

19 comments:

Holistic Dental – Cosmetic Dentist Melbourne said...

Nice Post about dentistry.
We rally don1t take care of the one of the most important body organ - TEETH.

It`s always good to be healthy , and for that one must have healthier teeth.

Thanks for sharing such a great post, Keep Posting !!!


Dentist Melbourne

Teeth cleaning chalfont said...

Thanks for posting this. I do agree with the previous comment, that a lot of the time people are not concerned enough with their teeth and it really is one of the most important parts of the body. I've bookmarked your blog to read more later!

Stamford Dentist - Dr. Wolpo said...

Interesting read. I've come across your blog and I've been hooked since the first post I've read. I'm keeping this site on my bookmarks tab. Thanks!

Vesna Miletic BDS, MSc, PhD said...

Thanks, it's good to hear that this blog offers useful and interesting posts to fellow colleagues. Regards, Vesna

Dentist new york city said...

Nice information About teeth care...I didn't know most of thing about this topic..you did a great job to post it!

Mobile Dentist South Africa said...

thanks for insightful article on GI materials
I have placed well over 50 000 GI en RMGI restoratives in my practice, and limit any composite placement were I can
(ALSO NO AMALGAMS are placed in my practice)
I am totally sold on GI materials, and my 5 year follow up of patients are very positive
will follow your posts in future
regards
Dr Reynhard P van Eeden - dentist South Africa
reynhardvaneeden@yahoo.co.uk

Panic Attacks said...

What you suggested and the alternative protocols show that you are indeed an excellent dentist. Thank you for sharing this kind of information as there are many others who can greatly benefit from it.

Cosmetic Dentist Melbourne said...

Hello,
Nice blog i like it about dentist clinic melbourne thanks for this information

Dental clinic melbourne

Kaneohe said...

Hi I am new user.I like your article..thanks.......

Kailua dentist

Doctor said...

This is kind of dental sealant thing right? What is the best age group to apply this? Is this effectively use for adults?

Teeth Guy Cardiff said...

I have had a composite filling on what is a half segment of tooth on a lower molar. The first time it sheered off, but the last time it has been fine so far. Is it worth getting the amalgum I had put in my mouth at a younger age completely replaced?. Is this composite non-toxic itself?.

Dr Afedejagunpotemole said...

Thanks for the useful information on ionomer - composite sandwich technique.

Teeth Whitening Lady Bristol said...

as far as I know the amalgum fillings can leech low levels of mercury into the body over time, so best opt for the composite type flling if possible.

Unknown said...

Great information and pictures.

Dental Materials

thanks

Unknown said...

Great information and nice pictures.

Dental Materials

thanks

The Teeth Whitening Expert said...

How damaging to the long term health are these low levels of mercury that flow into the body over time?

Unknown said...

Hi,
This s good and nice article....very useful...thanks for sharing us...dental products in chennai

abpdental said...

This blog is totally based on dental and its very useful to people. And I refer this blog to my friends to see this blog keep more posting

Alex Smith said...


Nice Post.
Thanks for share such useful info with us.
Jamesburg dental office NJ