The in vitro effect of glass-ionomer cement restoration on enamel subjected to a demineralization and remineralization model.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate differences in initiation and progression of carieslike lesions around restorations in enamel. A demineralization/remineralization cycling model was used to induce experimental secondary caries around cavities restored with glass-ionomer cement or composite resin. The effects of these materials were compared by microhardness profiles. The results indicated that glass-ionomer cement showed potential value as a restorative material for the prevention or reversal of caries in enamel adjacent to restorations, even in situations of high cariogenic challenge.