Leakage patterns associated with glass-ionomer-based resin restorations.

This study compared microleakage patterns for glass-ionomer-cement-based resin systems with and without a separating agent placed between the glass ionomer and resin. Results indicated significant leakage (100%) at the dentin glass-ionomer interface for specimens without a separating agent. Those with a separating agent showed almost no leakage between the dentin and glass ionomer (10%) and some leakage at the resin/glass ionomer interface (40%). These results suggest that the forces of polymerization shrinkage are stronger than the chemical bond between glass-ionomer cement and dentin. This bond fails during resin polymerization, eliminating any supplementary retention gained through chemical adhesion to dentin and opening a pathway for microleakage.