The world of orthodontics can be a complex one, with a wide range of products and materials used by orthodontic specialists such as Jonathan Alexander Abt. This is a specialist area of dentistry that is designed to address problems with teeth and jaw alignment. This helps to correct issues such as bite, occlusion and teeth alignment, among other things. It is also designed to help improve quality of life for patients who may struggle to speak properly or eat due to these issues.
Among the materials used in orthodontics are resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs), which are materials that simultaneously combine composite resins and glass ionomers. Glass ionomer cement is used as a dental restoration material for filling and bonding. The adhesive bonding capabilities of these ionomers makes it possible for a tight seal to be created between the tooth’s internal structure and the area that surrounds it.
Light-cured resin-modified glass ionomers were introduced in 1992 as a glass-ionomer based hybrid containing additional dental materials. Recently, a study was carried out in order to assess the effectiveness of resin-modified glass ionomer cement on people who wore fixed orthodontic appliances. This was compared to the effectiveness of light-cured composite for orthodontic bonding.
More About the Study
As part of the study, researchers aimed to look at the number of bond failures and demineralised lesions amongst two separate groups of participants. All of those taking part wore fixed orthodontic appliances, some of which were bonded with resin-modified glass ionomer cement and others that were bonded with light-cured composite. The aim was to see whether resin-modified glass ionomer cement was more effective than light-cured composite in terms of reducing new demineralised lesions.
The trial took place across a range of dental facilities including orthodontic practices, teaching hospitals, and dental centres. It was a randomised control research trial involving participants over the age of 11 years. The bonding solution used (resin-modified or composite) was randomly allocated by those involved in the research. As part of the trial, participants were regularly checked and assessed by both clinicians and lay team members. Assessments were aimed at checking for new demineralised lesions and bond failures.
In conclusion, researchers found that resin-modified glass ionomer cement did not reduce instances of bond failures or new demineralised lesions compared to light-cured composite.