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THEY SAID I T C O U L D N ’ T B E D O N E : T H E I N F L U E N C E OF GLASS IONOMERS O N E S T H E T I C DENTISTRY

hortly after glass ionomers were developed for restorative dentistry, one of the world’s preeminent S clinicians predicted that this material would never make an important contribution to restorative and esthetic dentistry. After all, “glass ionomers could never be created to match natural teeth.” Manufacturers soon disproved that notion and glass-ionomer technology evolved well beyond those early efforts. Today’s plethora of glass-ionomer products demonscraces that this is an extremely relevant technology- so much so

that we have dedicated this issue of the Journal ofE:stheh’r Dentistry to the subject.

Dr. Peter Hunt, on behalf o f the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, invited international experts on glass-ionomer technology to gather in Philadelphia last June to share their latest research and clinical data. The result was the Second International Symposium on Glass Ionomers. Dr. Hunt, who served as moderator as well as coordinator, did an exceptional job of bringing together those whose work represents the most innovative and versacile applications and formulations. We have selected several articles based on those excellent presentations. In our estimation, they represent the most comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the world of glass ionorners in use in esthetic and restorative dentistry.

As technology continues to advance, so too does the search for the ideal restorative material The articles presented in this issue leave little doubt chat glass ionomers - alone, or in combination with other materials -will remain an invaluable asset to practitioners and patients today and in the years to come.

we are indeed indebted to Dr. Hunt and his speakers for sharing this material with our readers, and eagerly anticipate the exciting developments that will continue to be charted in this area. The full text of this symposium will be published by Decker Periodicals within a few months.

Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS David A. GarbeyDMD

Editon-iw c,7hef Journal of Esthetic Dentistry