Clinical Evaluation of the ART Technique Using High Density and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two different glass ionomer cements using the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) technique in permanent teeth. A total of 473 ART restorations were placed in 208 schoolchildren (7-12 years of age) by two previously trained operators, using high density and resin-modified glass ionomer cements. All the restorations were photographed at baseline and the patients were asked about postoperative sensitivity. After a period of 8 months, 193 patients were present after recall and 428 restorations were evaluated and photographed. Two independent examiners carried out the evaluation. The results showed a success rate of 86.2% for occlusal restorations with Fuji IX and 88.4% for those restored with Fuji Plus. A total of 86.7% of the approximal restorations with Fuji Plus were also judged to be successful after 8 months. No association was found between the materials and the clinical performance of the ART restorations in class I cavities. The type of restorative material did not influence the success or failure rates in class I cavities within this period. Fuji IX showed promising performance for occlusal ART restorations and Fuji Plus is also a promising material for occlusal and approximal ART restorations. Keywords: glass-ionomer cements, atraumatic restorative treatment, ART