Disadvantages

The reason why a filling with a cement cannot be counted as a long-term restoration is that it can become brittle more quickly and has a lower abrasion stability. It wears out more quickly and can shatter more easily under high masticatory forces. There is also the disadvantage that it absorbs water, which also leads to cracks. Due to its matt color, it does not meet very high aesthetic standards. Temporary fillings can remain in the tooth for 6 months to a maximum of one year, but should be replaced after the year at the latest, or replaced with another, higher quality filling.

Costs

Glass ionomer cements can earn plus points in the financial aspects. They are part of the standard care of the statutory health insurance funds, also in the posterior region, and are therefore free of co-payment. No further costs arise for the patient for the time being.

It should be noted, however, that these fillings do not have a long durability and must be renewed at certain intervals, which requires regular appointments with the dentist. Furthermore, with each new filling process a little more of the tooth substance has to be removed, so that healthy hard tooth substance is lost in small amounts with each treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to think about a permanent restoration, such as with a composite.

However, this is associated with costs for the patient in the posterior tooth region, as it is not a standard treatment covered by health insurance. A composite filling is only accepted if it is in the visible region. On the posterior teeth, the difference to the amalgam filling must be paid for, which would otherwise be the standard care of the health insurance company. If there is an amalgam intolerance, however, the health insurance company will pay the composite costs in the posterior region.

Durability of cement fillings

The guarantee for dental care is 2 years. A cement filling should not be trusted to have a longer durability. Cement is actually not a definitive (=final) filling material.

It is often used as an underfilling, under an amalgam filling or as a build-up filling, in order to provide the tooth with a crown later. Tooth cements solidify by mixing a powder with a liquid. This powder consists of calcium, aluminum, silicates and glass, minerals that are not very stable.

Cements are therefore very porous compared to amalgam or plastics. Over time, the minerals wash out of the cement.Firstly, the filling lacks stability and hardness. On the other hand, the tooth is more susceptible to caries due to the lack of mineral release.

The advantage of cements with small particles is that they fit very accurately. The disadvantage, however, is that it is less firm and less resistant to abrasion. If a coarse-grained cement is chosen, it is harder but does not fit into the filling cavity as well.