Glass ionomer cement is used for which of the following applications?

• A. Temporary fillings or cementing
• B. Orthodontic bracket bonding
• C. Permanent crowns only
• D. Bleaching gel delivery

Answer: (A)

Glass ionomer cement is a versatile luting and temporary restorative material because it chemically bonds to tooth structure and releases fluoride, which helps protect adjacent tooth surfaces in the short term. These properties make it well suited for temporary fillings and for cementing provisional restorations, where durability isn’t required for many years. It’s not the best choice for permanent crowns, since its strength and wear resistance aren’t as high as resin-based cements or ceramics used for long-lasting restorations. For orthodontic bracket bonding, a stronger adhesive system is typically preferred to withstand orthodontic forces, so glass ionomer cement isn’t the usual choice for bonding brackets. And delivering bleaching gel isn’t a function of this material, so that option doesn’t fit.