Resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) are at the forefront of modern dental materials. They provide a versatile answer for various restorative and preventive procedures. By combining the benefits of traditional glass ionomer cements with the increased strength and aesthetics of resin-based materials, RMGIC in dentistry represents a key step forward in modern dentistry.
Integrated into both enamel and dentine, RMGIC is designed to provide perfect marginal integrity and minimum microleakage, which are critical for long-term restoration success. This type of cement’s fluoride-releasing properties facilitate remineralization, thereby reducing dental caries over time.
With its tooth-coloured shade and biocompatibility, RMGIC blends smoothly into natural teeth, making it aesthetic. Most dentists use it as a multi-purpose material for cavity lining and core build-ups, cementation crowns, and bridges during various clinical procedures.
This procedure has continued to evolve among dental professionals who have embraced innovation leaving behind a legacy of excellence in modern restorative dentistry.
What are the Uses of Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement in Orthodontics?
Bracket Bonding:
RMGIC provides a dependable means for attaching orthodontic brackets to enamel surfaces. It bonds strongly, keeping them securely attached while also releasing fluorides that prevent demineralization at the bracket interfaces during orthodontic treatment.
Bonding Lingual Retainers:
After finishing an orthodontic procedure, RMGIC is used to bond lingual retainers. Its fluoride content makes it suitable for continuous use without any compromise on oral health since it is biocompatible.
Band Cementation:
In cases requiring banding of molars, RMGIC is used for cementing orthodontic bands. Its adhesive properties make it possible for it to bond onto both enamel and metal surfaces, thus ensuring stability throughout the treatment period.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs):
This kind of adhesive material has been utilised in orthodontics thus RMGIC represents one such example. Consequently, this substance possesses adhesion properties enabling it to hold TADs until they are removed since it sticks onto both enamel and metallic surfaces thus locking them firmly in place until removal.
Sealing Orthodontic Appliances:
These materials are used for cementing fixed retainers or other orthodontic devices like expander appliances during orthodontic treatment. To a great extent, RMGIC helps prevent plaque build-up leading to decreased risk of developing dental caries.
Minimising Post-Orthodontic White Spot Lesions:
The fluoride-releasing properties of RMGIC assist in remineralization.This prevents white spot lesion formation.This is usually a common concern after orthodontic treatment. By incorporating RMGIC into bonding protocols, clinicians can mitigate this risk and enhance patients’ overall oral health.
Are RMGICs a suitable material to restore primary teeth?
Resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) make good restorative materials for primary teeth for a number of reasons:
Fluoride Release:
RMGICs enhance cariostatic activity and secondary caries prevention in primary teeth by releasing fluoride ions. Young patients may be at a higher risk for developing cavities; therefore, this fluoride release is especially beneficial.
Chemical Adhesion:
RMGIC forms chemical bonds with tooth structures such as enamel and dentine. Such adhesion results in strong durable restoration that can withstand masticatory forces experienced by primary teeth.
Biocompatibility:
This implies that RMGIC’s biocompatibility makes it compatible with oral tissues. In paediatric dentistry, the restorative material must not cause adverse reactions or sensitivities.
Ease of Placement:
For example, when considering young or anxious patients needing restoration in early years, these materials are relatively easy to handle and manipulate, making them suitable for use in primary tooth restorations. Due to its handling characteristics, the material can be placed and contoured efficiently.
Aesthetics:
RMGICs provide sufficient aesthetics and can blend well with the natural tooth colour, even though they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as composite resins. Thus, while RMGICs cannot match the aesthetic qualities of composite resin, they still give reasonable treatment results since the major objectives are functionality and longevity.
Versatility:
These cement-type materials can be used for various types of restorations in primary teeth, including small to moderate-sized cavities, as well as for core build-ups and cementation of stainless steel crowns.
When do dentists prescribe RMGIC procedures?
- Paediatric Dentistry: RMGICs are often used in paediatric dentistry due to their fluoride-releasing properties and biocompatibility. Dentists may prescribe this type of cement material when carrying out restoration on primary teeth, where the fluoride release can help prevent secondary caries and promote remineralization in young patients.
- Non-Stress-Bearing Restorations: Restorations that do not bear much stress are suitable for RMGICs. These include Class V cavities, cervical lesions, and small occlusal or proximal cavities in posterior teeth. The adhesive properties of these cements make them ideal for use in areas where moisture might be hard to control.
- Intermediate Restorations: Sometimes, a temporary or intermediate restoration is needed before a definitive treatment—this is where RMGIC comes into play. It provides a durable and aesthetic temporary solution while maintaining the integrity of the tooth structure until a permanent restoration can be placed.
- Orthodontic Bonding: This cement material is commonly used to bond orthodontic brackets and bands to teeth surfaces. Its adhesive properties make it an ideal choice.This maintains oral hygiene and prevents enamel demineralization during orthodontic treatments.
- Cervical Lesion Restorations: Chemically bonding these cement to tooth structure helps with releasing fluoride.They are often prescribed for restoring cervical lesions or root surface cavities. These restorations help address sensitivity, prevent further decay, and help to improve aesthetics in affected areas.
- Geriatric Dentistry: RMGICs may be preferred in older adults with compromised oral health or reduced salivary flow because of their moisture tolerance and ease of placement. Moisture control may be challenging in geriatric patients.This is why these cements are used to improve the process.
How is this procedure done?
- Preparation: The first step involves removing the decayed or damaged tooth structure and cleaning the cavity to ensure proper adhesion of the restorative material.
- Isolation: Adequate isolation of the tooth is a must. This prevents moisture contamination, thus compromising the bond between the tooth and RMGIC.
- Application of RMGIC: The cement material is mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is then applied to the prepared cavity using appropriate instruments.
- Placement and Condensation: It’s then placed into the cavity and condensed properly to ensure that it has completely bonded with the tooth structure.
- Light Curing (Optional): Some RMGIC materials require light curing for better polymerization process results and enhanced mechanical properties.
- Finishing and Polishing: Once set, it’s finished and polished smoothly for a nice surface texture. This maintains a proper anatomical contour.
- Evaluation: Lastly, The restored surfaces should be evaluated properly to check if they fit well, have good occlusion, and maintain great aesthetics.
Summary
Resin-modified glass ionomer cement plays a vital role in modern dentistry by offering a versatile solution for various restorative procedures. Dental Avenue is a comprehensive online platform serving dental professionals with information, materials, equipment & more related to RMGIC products, Dentures & other dental products. With an easy-to-use interface Dental Avenue streamlines your procurement process. Thus you can focus on providing quality patient care & achieving better treatment outcomes every day!