Glass ionomer cements with nanotechnology：Properties of glass ionomer cements incorporating nano-sized particles

Abstract

Properties of glass ionomer cements incorporating nano-sized particles were affected by factors such as the materials, particle size, synthetic methods, contents, and types of cements. Incorporated nanoparticles were reported to be metals, oxides such as TiO₂, inorganic materials, linear polymers, calcium phosphates, and nanoparticles with pharmaceutical agents expected to have pharmacological effects. Previous studies indicated that the mechanical properties, amount of fluoride release, and antibacterial properties of glass ionomer cements could be improved by incorporating the optimum composition of nanoparticles. The improvement in mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements was explained by forming a strong cement matrix structure with nanoparticles and/or creating a cement matrix with a higher density by homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles. Changes in cement properties by the incorporation of nanoparticles over a prolorged period are unknown, and there is a lack of clinical reports on the effects of nanoparticle incorporation into cement. It is expected that the incorporation of nanoparticles not only improves mechanical properties but also promotes higher level functions, such as distinct anticaries properties and the remineralization of tooth structures.