In Vitro Evaluation of Caries Risk in Enamel Adjacent to Glass Ionomer Cements

Objective: To evaluate the anticariogenic potential of conventionalglass ionomer cements for different clinical applications [type I(cementation), type II (restoration) and type III (lining)] under highlycariogenic conditions using in vitro pH cycling.Method: Forty dental surfaces were selected and assigned tofour groups. In each group, the corresponding material was appliedaccording to its clinical indication: Vidrion C for cementation ofindirect restorations, Vidrion R and Concept composite resin (controlgroup) for direct restorations, and Vidrion F as a cavity liner. Artificialenamel carious lesions adjacent to the materials were induced bya 14-day pH cycling dynamic model. The dental surfaces wereevaluated by previously designated examiners, who assignedvalues according to the presence and severity of carious lesions.Results: Statistical analysis using odds ratio showed statisticallysignificant difference among the groups. Mann-Whitney Ucomparative test indicated that the control group (composite resin)differed significantly from the other groups (p<0.05), presentingthe most severe cariogenic activity. Vidrion R presented the greatestcariostatic capacity (p<0.05).Conclusion: Vidrion R restorative glass ionomer cement exhibitedthe best cariostatic properties, followed by Vidrion C and Vidrion F,whose cariostatic potential was similar to each other.