Assessment of Functional Properties of Zirconia Reinforced Glass Ionomer versus Glass Ionomer with Glass Hybrid Technology in Class II Cavities. Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction : Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) may be the restoration of choice in patients with a high caries risk, owing to their anticariogenic and remineralizing capabilities. Regrettably, as compared to other restorative materials, it has lower flexural and tensile strength, fracture resistance, and a higher rate of wear, all of which have an implication on its survival rates when used in load bearing areas. Materials and methods: Sixty patients with high caries risk were selected. Class II occlusal slot cavities were prepared in the first permanent molar and restored randomly by two restorations, either; EQUIA ® Forte Fil or Zirconomer ® Improved. Restorations were evaluated according to FDI criteria in terms of functional properties at baseline, after six months and one year. Results : Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between both materials for the tested properties at base line. At six months follow up time, 92% of the EQUIA ® Forte Fil group and 68% of the Zirconomer ® Improved group were clinically successful. Meanwhile, at 12 months follow up time, 88% of the EQUIA ® Forte Fil group and 40% of the Zirconomer ® Improved group were clinically successful with significant difference between them at both six and 12 months. Conclusions : Glass ionomer with glass hybrid technology exhibited better clinical performance than zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer in class II slot cavities after six months and one year with high success rate in the purpose of restoring posterior permanent teeth.