MICROLEAKAGE OF CLASS-V COMPOMER AND LIGHT-CURED GLASS-IONOMER RESTORATIONS

Statement of problem. Resin-modified (light-cured) glass ionomer and p olyacid-modified composite resin (compomer) restorations are popular c hoices for the restoration of root caries and cervical abrasion/erosio n lesions, but clinical studies are relatively few and have been publi shed primarily as abstracts. Purpose. In the absence of adequate clini cal data, the marginal integrity of restorations of the above two type s of material was compared in vitro. The microleakage of restorations of two light-cured glass ionomer restorative materials and of one comp omer material was evaluated. Methods and material. Restorations of the three materials were placed in facial and lingual Class V cavity prep arations in bovine incisors. All preparations were centered on the cem entoenamel junction and were prepared with 45-degree enamel bevels. Af ter thermal cycling, teeth were immersed in methylene blue dye, then s ections of the restorations (n = 16) were visually evaluated. Results. Dye penetration was observed at approximately 20% of restoration marg ins for all three materials, with the greatest incidence of severe lea kage in the compomer restorations. Conclusion. No significant differen ce in microleakage among the three materials (ANOVA; p > 0.05) was fou nd.