Dental Luting Cements – A soldier saving the bond between tooth and crown

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) also known as a self-adhesive, tooth-coloured filling material was first made commercially available in 1976. It has derived its name as an acronym of major constituents i.e. aluminosilicate and polyacrylic acid. Earlier the material was slow setting with poor handling property. In recent years there has been tremendous improvement in its properties and hence it is indicated to be used for various treatments in dentistry.

Glass ionomer types of cements have an inherent ability to adhere to mineralized tissue and exhibit an intrinsic ability to exchange ions with the biological environment. GICs, have a long history of good biocompatibility and the set cement is itself a promising material to be used in dentistry.

Glass Ionomer cement are popular material as they display the following advantages:

·         They are tooth-coloured

·         They bond chemically to the tooth substance without the need for additional adhesives

·         They release fluoride

·         They have good biocompatibility

·         Their coefficient of thermal expansion is equivalent to that of tooth structure

These glass ionomer cements are indicated for various use like:

·         Definitive restorative material for primary teeth

·         Definitive restorative material for low stress-bearing area

·         Liners and bases

·         Luting cement

·         Fissure sealant

·         Core build-up material before placement of a crown

        Crown placement is an essential step after every root canal and for the same purpose use of a luting cement is a must. Glass ionomer cement is of type 1 category & meant to lute the crown to the tooth giving the tooth its required strength

One such brand which offers the best luting cement is GC Gold Label luting cement.
 
Peculiar features of GC Gold Label Luting cement:

1. A strontium-based glass ionomer:
All GC Gold label Glass Ionomer luting cement contains strontium glass. This provides good radiopacity and snaps set characteristic which is why this cement is unanimously preferred by all dentists around the world.

2. Surface strengthening effect:
When this strontium-based glass ionomer is placed in the calcium-containing environment, it will result in the diffusion of calcium ions giving a strengthening effect. All GC Gold label Glass Ionomer luting cement strengthens over time in saliva.

3. A consistent predictable seal:
All GC Gold-label cement displays a glossy surface after mixing. This indicates that free polyacrylic acid is available to begin the ion-exchange process. The subsequent movement of ions between enamel, dentin, and cement creates an ion-exchange zone that chemically fuses them resulting in a consistent and long-lasting seal.

Why use GC Gold Label luting cement?
·         No surface preparation or bonding agent is required, still, the cement has good retention characteristics
·         Good marginal seal with radiopacity
·         Excellent flow and complete sealing of the crown or bridge
·         Ideal viscosity for lining
·         Biocompatible with a tooth-like coefficient of thermal expansion. Hence there is protection from secondary caries
·         Sufficiently strong for permanent luting and lining requirement

Ideal qualities of Dental Luting cement:
·         Chemical adhesion to both tooth structure and metal
·         Fluoride release
·         High mechanical strength
·         A Film thickness of 15 microns
·         Radiopaque
·         Final cementation of metal or porcelain fused to metal crown and bridges
·         Cementation of stainless steel crown and orthodontic bands
·         Lining under restorative material

Conclusion:

With the advent of pharmacological caries management, GIC has proven to be the first layer of treatment for various treatment procedures in Dentistry