Three-year clinical evaluation of high-viscosity glass ionomer restorations in non-carious cervical lesions: a randomised controlled split-mouth clinical trial.

Abstract

To compare the 3-year clinical performance of high-viscosity glass ionomer restorations with that of composite restorations in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). One hundred thirty-four NCCLs were randomised into two groups according to a split-mouth design. In the experimental group (Hv-GIC), lesions were restored with a high-viscosity glass ionomer (EQUIA Fil, GC), whereas a composite resin (G-aenial, GC) was applied in the control group (E&Ra/comp). All restorative materials were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. Clinical evaluations were performed after 1week, 6months, 1year, 2years, and 3years using FDI (World Dental Federation) criteria. Data were analysed using Friedman's ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). While retention rates of the Hv-GIC group were 98.5%, 96%, 91%, and 87% in respective evaluation periods, no retention loss was observed in the E&Ra/comp group at any time. There was a statistically significant difference between study groups regarding the retention criterion in both the second and third years (p = 0.008 and p = 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of surface lustre at the third-year recall, in favour of the E&Ra/comp group (p = 0.022). The 3-year clinical performance of E&Ra/comp restorations in NCCLs was better than that of Hv-GIC restorations. The most common problems in Hv-GIC restorations were a loss of retention and reduction in surface lustre. Although the 3-year clinical performance of Hv-GIC restorations in non-retentive lesions was acceptable, it was worse than in composites. The operator should consider the benefit/loss ratio of Hv-GIC when he/she decides to use this material in non-retentive cavities, especially those that are shallow.