In situ transformation of glass-ionomer into an enamel-like material.

Abstract

The clinically observed altered optical aspect and increased hardness could be related with surface structure changes as identified by SEM. The changed glass-ionomer showed a continuous integration with the adjacent enamel. The SEM-EDAX analysis revealed an increase of calcium and phosphorus in the surface layer, tentatively suggesting a sort of additional "mineralization" of the material. This phenomenon was only observed for restorations that had minimally 2-3 years in vivo dwell time.