Glass Ionomer Cement — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Chemical bonding to tooth tissue with fluoride release
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · E = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E
A is correct. Conventional GIC chemically bonds to enamel and dentine through ionic interaction with calcium in tooth mineral, and it releases fluoride over time. These are clinically useful properties, particularly where adhesion and caries-preventive ion release are desirable. Composite resin relies on an adhesive bonding system rather than intrinsic chemical bonding to tooth mineral and does not share GIC’s characteristic fluoride-release profile. Greater wear resistance and higher compressive strength are not advantages of conventional GIC; composite resin generally has better mechanical performance in these respects. Composite resin also usually provides superior aesthetics and shade matching. Finally, conventional GIC commonly requires mixing, so absence of mixing is not a defining comparative advantage.
Reference: Nicholson JW, et al. Fluoride exchange by glass-ionomer dental cements and its clinical effects: a review. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27340169/