Nano Glass Ionomers - A Review

Abstract

Restorative dentistry deals with materials that are used to fill cavities and prevent the infection of caries fromrecurrence. We have many restorative materials like amalgam, zinc phosphate, zinc oxide eugenol, GIC.Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) has been a part of therapeutic dentistry for over three decades. It is one of thedental restorative materials used in dentistry for filling cavities and used as luting cement for the attachmentof orthodontic brackets. It is a solid material with satisfactory appearance. It discharges fluoride which hasa remineralising effect. It also additionally empowers high quality and rebuilding tendency in restorativedentistry. It is more susceptible to fracture and is more susceptible to fracture as it cannot bear heavymasticatory load. GIC generally lasts for five years and is quite affordable(price) also. Nanotechnology indentistry has various implications and it tends to improve the existing properties of the materials in numerousways. When nanoparticles are introduced into GIC, they can help in better adhesive mechanism to teeth sothat they can reduce the fracture occurrence as well as the leakages. It also improves the longevity of therestoration, improves the aesthetic appearance and overcomes the surface roughness seen in conventionalGIC. Nano particles are small and occupy the space in the matrix which can improve the strength of thematerial. Nanoparticles improve sustained fluoride release, increase the strength, improve the antibacterialactivity, and can be used clinically as an efficient material. The drawbacks of the conventional materials areovercome by the nanotechnology.They play a very important role in dentistry to improve the efficiency ofmany materials involved in dentistry.This investigation is mainly focussing on the use of nanotechnology inglass ionomer cements dealing with its properties, points of interest and hindrances.