Glass-ionomer cement--origins, development and future.

The origin of the glass-ionomer cement lies in a change in attitude regarding the qualities demanded of a dental material. The foundation of dental materials science in the 1920s tended to stultify the development of dental materials because of an over emphasis on mechanical properties. In this period, traditional materials invented before the end of the 19th century remained in use. A change in approach in the 1950s and 1960s, brought about by the realization of the importance of biocompatibility and adhesion, led to a revolution in dental materials science. This era was characterized by closer collaboration between materials research scientist and clinician. New materials were developed, including the glass-ionomer cement, with novel properties which were exploited by the development of novel clinical techniques. The glass-ionomer cement has the crucial property of adhering to untreated dentine and enamel, a quality which has led to the development of clinical techniques to minimize cavity preparation and thus loss of tooth material.