Evaluation of Glass-Ionomer versus Bulk-Fill Resin Composite: A Two-Year Randomized Clinical Study

Background: The aim of this split-mouth design research was to compare the clinical performance of a glass-ionomer cement system on Class I/II cavities against the clinical performance of bulk-fill resin composite restoration materials. Methods: Thirty-five patients were randomized and enrolled in the study, aged between 10 and 12 years, all of whom had a matched pair of permanent mandibular carious molars with similar Class I/II. A total of 70 restoration placements were performed. The patients were each given two restorations consisting of either a glass-ionomer cement with a nano-filled coating or a bulk-fill resin composite after the use of a self-etch adhesive. The cumulative survival rates were estimated using log-rank test and the Kaplan–Meier method. For comparison of the restorative materials in line with the modified Ryge, the McNemar test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were employed. Results: With regard to retention, the glass-ionomer cement system and bulk-fill resin composite performed similarly in permanent molars in Class I/II cavities over a period of up to 24-months (p > 0.05). Over the 24-month period, Class I restorations showed statistically better survival rates than Class II restorations (p < 0.05). In the case of glass-ionomer cement systems, over the two-year period, more common chipping and surface degradations were observed. Conclusions: The glass-ionomer cement system and bulk-fill resin composite restorative materials display good clinical performance over a period of 24-months.