Clinical performance of glass ionomer cement vs. composite resin for pediatric dental care

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Created On: 19/04/2025

The goal of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical performance of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and composite resin to promote the long-term oral health of young patients.

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Key take away

For pediatric dentistry, glass ionomer cement is the preferred choice for caries prevention, whereas composite resin is optimal for achieving long-lasting durability and aesthetic excellence.

Background

The goal of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical performance of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and composite resin to promote the long-term oral health of young patients.

Method

A meticulous literature search was undertaken in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, utilizing databases like Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing GIC and composite resin for pediatric molar restorations were included. Caries prevention, restoration durability, marginal integrity, and recurrence of secondary caries were the outcomes assessed. For data analysis, random-effects models were employed.

Result

Overall, 10 studies with 1,430 pediatrics were analyzed. GIC was found to be linked with a 22% relative reduction in caries incidence (risk ratio [RR]: 0.78). In terms of durability, composite resin outperformed GIC with an RR of 0.82. Additionally, GIC showed better effectiveness in preventing secondary caries (RR: 0.76), while composite resin illustrated superior marginal integrity (RR: 0.81).

Conclusion

Each material—GIC and composite resin—brings unique strengths to pediatric dentistry. GIC excels in caries prevention while composite resin stands out for its aesthetic qualities and durability. The choice of material must be customized based on patient's unique requirements and the particular clinical situation.