Two-year survival rates of proximal atraumatic restorative treatment restorations in relation to glass ionomer cements and postrestoration meals consumed

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of 3 glass ionomer cement (GIC) brands and the postrestoration meal consumed on the survival rate of proximal atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations. Methods: A total of 804 proximal restorations were placed in primary molars by trained operators and assistants using 3 GIC brands. The materials' mixing/placement times, the room temperature and the post- restoration meal consumed by the subjects were documented. The restorations were evaluated soon after placement and after 2 years by trained and calibrated evaluators. Results: After 2 years, approximately 31% of the restorations had survived. There were no statistically significant differences in the survival rate of the restorations in relation to the GIC brands. The postrestoration meal consumed, which was of "hard consistency," was associated with significantly lower survival rate of the restorations. Conclusions: The survival rate of the proximal restorations was not significantly affected by the glass ionomer cement brands used, but was significantly influenced by the consistency of the next meal consumed by each child.