The full form of GIC in dentistry is Glass Ionomer Cement. This is a restorative material that is used in dentistry. The main use of Glass Ionomer Cement is as a luting cement and filling material. Many times, the orthodontic bracket attachments are attached using the GIC.
The GIC is based on the reaction of polyacrylic acid with silicate glass powder. There can be alternatives to polyacrylic acid in the formula, which can be used for altering the properties of GIC by a little. Many times even tartaric acid is used in making Glass Ionomer Cement to alter the setting characteristics of the material. Many hybrid materials have been made on the basis of Glass Ionomer Cement. This includes resin modified glass ionomer cement which is usually revered to as RMGIC. GIC has an extremely good adhesive body, and it forms a very tight seal between the internal structures of the tooth with the surrounding environment. The formula also produces fluoride, which prevents demineralization of the enamel and, at the same time, it promotes remineralization. GIC has also been useful in pediatric dentistry.