Glass ionomer cements were first developed in the early 1970s in an attempt to combine the advantages of silicates and polycarboxylate cements. The two key features of this group of materials are their ability to bond chemically to enamel and dentine and their fluoride-releasing properties. This article reviews the clinical applications of glass ionomers in young patients and in particular to evaluate their use in prevention, bonding and restorations.
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