Glass Ionomer Composition — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateDental MaterialsGlass Ionomer CompositionMFDS Part 1

A conventional, non-resin-modified glass ionomer cement sets by an acid-base reaction between an aqueous polyalkenoic acid and an ion-leachable powder. Which material forms the principal reactive powder phase?

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Correct answer: C — Ion-leachable fluoroaluminosilicate glass

The correct answer is C. Conventional glass ionomer cement contains an ion-leachable fluoroaluminosilicate glass powder, commonly incorporating calcium or strontium. Polyalkenoic acid attacks the glass surface and releases metal ions, particularly calcium/strontium and aluminium, which cross-link the polyacid chains during the acid-base setting reaction. Unreacted glass particles remain embedded within the resulting polysalt matrix. Barium borosilicate glass and quartz are more characteristic of resin-composite filler systems and do not provide the defining reactive glass phase of conventional glass ionomer cement. Lithium disilicate and leucite-reinforced materials are glass-ceramics used principally for indirect restorations rather than as conventional glass-ionomer powders.

Reference: Cestari A. Sol-gel methods for synthesis of aluminosilicates for dental applications. Journal of Dentistry. 2016;55:105-113. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/286706/