| abstract |
A tooth-surface treatment agent for use with dental glass ionomer cement comprises a polymer of an alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid having a molecular weight of about 1,000 to 40,000, such as methylmethacrylate, a compound containing one or more elements selected from aluminium, iron, tin, and calcium, and water. This agent ensures the dissolution and removal of the smear layer, and improves and stabilizes the bonding strength of the glass ionomer cement to tooth structure. Preferably there are also included colouring and thickening agents. The agent has a milder effect than phosphoric acid. |