Glass ionomer restoratives and cavity liners are foundational materials in every Canadian dental operatory, used for everything from pediatric restorations and cervical lesions to pulp protection under composite and amalgam fillings. As of June 2026, EBIKO Dental carries a complete selection of conventional glass ionomers, resin-modified glass ionomers, silver-reinforced glass ionomers, and calcium hydroxide liners from GC, SDI, Pulpdent, Dentsply Sirona, and Voco — all available with free shipping across Canada.
As of June 2026, glass ionomer cement (GIC) remains one of the most versatile material categories in restorative dentistry. Whether you are restoring a Class V cervical erosion, building up a core before crown placement, or protecting an exposed pulp with a calcium hydroxide liner, understanding the clinical differences between GIC formulations directly affects your treatment outcomes and your supply budget.
This guide breaks down the major categories of glass ionomer restoratives and cavity liners, explains when to reach for each type, and identifies the specific products available at EBIKO Dental for Canadian practices.
Understanding Glass Ionomer Categories
Glass ionomer cements share a common chemistry — a reaction between fluoroaluminosilicate glass powder and polyacrylic acid — but the clinical properties vary significantly by formulation. For dental professionals in Toronto and across Ontario, choosing the right GIC depends on the specific clinical scenario.
Conventional (Self-Cure) Glass Ionomers
Conventional glass ionomers set through an acid-base reaction without light curing. They offer true chemical adhesion to both enamel and dentin, sustained fluoride release that provides a cariostatic effect, and biocompatibility with pulp tissue. The tradeoff: conventional GICs have lower fracture resistance and wear resistance compared to resin-modified formulations, making them best suited for non-load-bearing restorations.
Best clinical uses:
- Class V cervical restorations (abrasion, erosion, abfraction lesions)
- Pediatric restorations in primary teeth
- Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) in community outreach settings
- Interim restorations when isolation is difficult
- Core build-ups prior to indirect restorations
EBIKO Dental carries two excellent conventional GIC options:
SDI Riva Self-Cure Glass Ionomer Regular Set Capsules (50/Pkg) — SDI's Riva Self-Cure delivers reliable chemical adhesion with a convenient capsule format that eliminates hand-mixing inconsistencies. The regular set formulation provides adequate working time for placement and contouring. Capsules are pre-dosed for consistent powder-to-liquid ratios every time.
GC Fuji IX GP EXTRA Glass Ionomer Restorative (Powder & Liquid Kit) — GC's Fuji IX GP EXTRA is a high-viscosity conventional GIC designed for posterior restorations where improved wear resistance is needed. The "EXTRA" formulation offers enhanced surface hardness compared to standard Fuji IX, making it a strong choice for Class I and Class II restorations in primary teeth and ART procedures.
Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers (RMGI)
Resin-modified glass ionomers add a light-cured resin component to the traditional GIC chemistry. The result: command-set curing with a light, improved fracture toughness, better aesthetics, and reduced early moisture sensitivity — while retaining fluoride release and chemical adhesion to tooth structure.
Best clinical uses:
- Class V restorations where aesthetics matter
- Sandwich technique (GIC base under composite restoration)
- Core build-ups requiring immediate strength
- Luting restorations where fluoride release is desired
- Cervical restorations in patients with high caries risk
GC Fuji II LC Capsule — Light-Cured Resin-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Restorative — Fuji II LC is the industry benchmark for resin-modified glass ionomers. Its light-cured setting provides command-set convenience and improved physical properties compared to conventional GICs. The capsule delivery ensures consistent mixing. Fuji II LC is particularly well-suited for the sandwich technique, where it serves as a fluoride-releasing base under composite in deep Class II restorations.
Pro Tip: When using the sandwich technique, apply Fuji II LC as a 1-2 mm base layer in the deepest portion of the preparation, light cure for 20 seconds, then etch the enamel margins and place your composite over the GIC. This approach combines fluoride release at the dentin interface with composite strength and aesthetics at the surface.
Silver-Reinforced Glass Ionomers
Silver-reinforced glass ionomers incorporate silver alloy particles into the GIC matrix, providing enhanced wear resistance and radiopacity. These materials are designed for situations where conventional GICs lack sufficient durability but where the fluoride-releasing, adhesive properties of glass ionomer are still clinically desirable.
SDI Riva Silver Restorative Capsules (50/Pk) — Riva Silver combines the fluoride release and adhesion of glass ionomer with the added strength of silver alloy particles. The result is a more durable restoration for core build-ups and posterior restorations in primary teeth. The silver component also provides improved radiopacity, making it easier to distinguish the restoration on radiographs during follow-up appointments.
Cavity Liners: Pulp Protection Materials
Cavity liners serve a distinct purpose from restorative GICs: they protect the dental pulp from chemical, thermal, and bacterial irritation beneath a restoration. For deep preparations approaching the pulp, selecting the right liner can mean the difference between pulp vitality and root canal therapy.
Calcium Hydroxide Liners
Calcium hydroxide remains the gold standard liner for direct and indirect pulp capping. Its alkaline pH (approximately 12.5) stimulates reparative dentin formation and provides an antimicrobial barrier against residual bacteria in deep caries preparations.
Dentsply Dycal Calcium Hydroxide Liner Kit — Dycal is the most widely recognized calcium hydroxide liner in dentistry. The two-paste system (base and catalyst) sets in approximately 2.5 minutes, providing a hard, protective barrier over near-exposures and direct pulp caps. Dycal has decades of clinical data supporting its use in pulp capping protocols.
Pulpdent Multi-Cal Calcium Hydroxide Paste Kit (4 Syringes + 8 Tips) — Multi-Cal is a radiopaque calcium hydroxide paste for indirect pulp capping, cavity lining, and root canal medication. The syringe delivery provides precise placement control in deep preparations. Each kit includes 4 × 1.2 mL syringes and 8 applicator tips.
Light-Cured Resin Liners
Light-cured liners offer the convenience of command-set curing and can serve as both a protective liner and a low-viscosity base. They are particularly useful when a thicker protective layer is needed but calcium hydroxide's limited mechanical strength is a concern.
Pulpdent Lime-Lite Enhanced (1.3 mL Syringe + 20 Tips) — Lime-Lite Enhanced is a light-cured cavity liner that releases calcium, fluoride, and hydroxyl ions. It provides the protective benefits of calcium hydroxide in a light-cured, resin-modified format with improved mechanical strength. The thin consistency allows precise placement in deep preparations, and the light-cure setting means no waiting for a chemical set.
Voco Ionoseal Syringe Kit — Ionoseal is a light-cured, glass ionomer-based liner/base material. It combines the fluoride release of glass ionomer with the convenience of light-cured setting. Ionoseal is well-suited as a base under composite restorations, providing thermal insulation and a fluoride-releasing interface with dentin.
Pro Tip: For deep Class II composite restorations in high-caries-risk patients, consider a layered approach: Dycal on any near-exposure, then Ionoseal or Lime-Lite Enhanced as a liner/base, followed by your bonding agent and composite. This three-layer protocol maximizes pulp protection while maintaining bond integrity.
Selecting the Right Material: A Clinical Decision Guide
Choosing between glass ionomer types and liner materials depends on the clinical scenario. Use this guide for common situations in your practice:
- Pediatric Class I or II in primary teeth: GC Fuji IX GP EXTRA or SDI Riva Self-Cure — conventional GICs with fluoride release and good handling
- Class V cervical restoration (aesthetic zone): GC Fuji II LC — resin-modified GIC with better colour matching and polish
- Core build-up before crown: SDI Riva Silver — enhanced strength and radiopacity for visibility on follow-up films
- Direct pulp cap: Dentsply Dycal — calcium hydroxide with decades of clinical evidence
- Deep preparation liner under composite: Voco Ionoseal or Pulpdent Lime-Lite Enhanced — light-cured with fluoride release
- Sandwich technique base: GC Fuji II LC — apply as a thin base, light cure, then bond and place composite
- ART restoration in community outreach: SDI Riva Self-Cure or GC Fuji IX GP EXTRA — no light curing required, fluoride release
Storage and Handling Tips
Glass ionomer materials are sensitive to both temperature and moisture. Follow these guidelines to maintain material performance:
- Store GIC capsules and powder-liquid kits at room temperature (15-25°C). Do not refrigerate unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
- Keep lids tightly closed on powder-liquid kits to prevent moisture absorption, which alters the powder-to-liquid ratio and weakens the set material.
- Protect freshly placed conventional GICs from moisture for the first 10 minutes and from desiccation for the first 24 hours. Apply a varnish or bonding agent coat immediately after initial set.
- Check expiry dates regularly. Expired GIC capsules may not activate properly, leading to incomplete setting and compromised restorations.
Pro Tip: When ordering glass ionomer capsules, calculate your monthly usage and order accordingly. Capsules have a shelf life of approximately 2-3 years, but cycling through inventory within 6-12 months ensures optimal material performance. EBIKO Dental offers free shipping on orders over $99 CAD in the GTA, $199 CAD across Ontario, and $299 CAD Canada-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a glass ionomer restorative and a glass ionomer liner?
Glass ionomer restoratives (like GC Fuji IX GP EXTRA or SDI Riva Self-Cure) are designed to fill a cavity preparation and function as a permanent or semi-permanent restoration. Glass ionomer liners (like Voco Ionoseal) are thin-layer materials placed beneath another restorative material to protect the pulp and provide fluoride release at the dentin interface. Restoratives have higher strength and wear resistance; liners prioritize flowability and pulp protection.
Q: Can glass ionomer cements be used under composite restorations?
Yes. The "sandwich technique" uses a resin-modified glass ionomer like GC Fuji II LC as a base layer in the deepest portion of a preparation, then places composite over it. This approach combines the fluoride release and dentin adhesion of GIC with the superior aesthetics and strength of composite at the surface. It is particularly effective in deep Class II restorations.
Q: Where can I buy glass ionomer restoratives and cavity liners in Canada?
EBIKO Dental stocks glass ionomer restoratives and cavity liners from GC, SDI, Pulpdent, Dentsply Sirona, and Voco, with free shipping on qualifying orders across Canada. All products are available at ebiko.ca with price match guarantee. Shop Glass Ionomer & Liners at EBIKO Dental.