A RETROSPECTIVE LOOK AT AESTHETIC RESIN COMPOSITE AND GLASS-IONOMER CLASS-III RESTORATIONS - A 2-YEAR CLINICAL-EVALUATION

Objective: A restorative material for Class III cavities must, besides being functional, be esthetically satisfactory, providing good workin g conditions and several shade and color options. A clinical evaluatio n was initiated to compare the suitability of resin composite and glas s-ionomer cement materials for such restorations. Method and materials : Forty-two Class III conservative cavities, esthetically important be cause of facial extensions, were selected. Resin composite restoration s were placed in 21 cavities, and the remaining 21 were restored with glass-ionomer cement. The following characteristics were studied: colo r or-esthetics, anatomic shape, surface texture, staining, marginal in filtration, dental plaque retention, and occurrence of fracture. After 24 months, the restorations were evaluated. Results: The only statist ically significant difference between the resin composite and glass-io nomer cement restorations in the experimental period involved color or esthetics. Conclusion: Resin composites and glass-ionomer materials p rovide excellent functional and esthetic results in Class III cavities when properly indicated.