Abstract

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MODERN GLASS CARBOMER CEMENTS

Daniela Stoeva* and Ivan Gerdzhikov

ABSTRACT

Glass carbomer cements are modern dental materials, which are used more often in the dental practice, in the treatment of tooth decay or for fixing of different prosthetic constructions. Objective: The aim of this research is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of glass carbomer cements, as a comparison between their physico-mechanical and biological properties with the same features of classical glass ionomer cements, and to determine the indications for their application in dental medicine. Results: The results of the investigation shows, that glass carbomer cements have numerous of advantages, than glass ionomer cements. Some of the disadvantages of glass ionomer cements are eliminated, which reduces solubility and increases flexure and compressive strength. Better microhardness and excellent chemical bond with the enamel and dentin are achieved. This provides improved retention and marginal adaptation of the fillings. The incorporated nanocrystals of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite increase the natural process of mineralization and regeneration of the dentin and the biological properties of the cement. Discussion: The comparative research of the different types of glass ionomer cements definitely prove, that glass carbomer cements have better phisyco-mechanical and biological properties. Conclusion: The numerous advantages of glass carbomer cements and their simple manipulation protocol, lead to their common application in the dental practice.

Keywords: Glass ionomer cements, glass carbomer cements.