GIC Restorative Use — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Chemical adhesion to enamel and dentine, fluoride release, and lower wear resistance than amalgam
Conventional glass ionomer cement chemically adheres to enamel and dentine and releases fluoride, supporting its use in cervical and other relatively low-stress restorations. Its lower wear resistance and mechanical strength limit its suitability where substantial occlusal loading occurs. It does not have greater fracture toughness or flexural strength than resin composite, excluding B, and it is not stronger or more wear-resistant than amalgam, excluding C. Polymerisation shrinkage and phosphoric-acid-dependent micromechanical retention are characteristic considerations for resin composite rather than conventional GIC, excluding D. Although GIC is tooth-coloured, resin composite generally provides better translucency, polish and aesthetic performance, excluding E.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Restricting the Use of Dental Amalgam in Specific Patient Groups, section 2.2 Clinical Approaches, 2021. https://www.sdcep.org.uk/media/tk1ef0hm/sdcep-dental-amalgam-implementation-advice.pdf