Viscous glass-ionomer cements: A new alternative to amalgam in the primary dentition?

Glass-ionomer cements offer advantages in the treatment of the primary dentition. New, colored, highly viscous glass-ionomer cements hold the promise of better abrasion properties. Owing to their high viscosity, their handling characteristics are similar to those of amalgam. Examination of their properties demonstrated increased resistance to abrasion in comparison to amalgam, although no improvement in fatigue or flexural resistance was found. Clinical experience extending over 2.5 years confirmed these results.