Q&A about Giomer / S-PRG filler

Q.1 Is Giomer categorized as glass-ionomer cement?
A No. Giomer is not categorized as a glass-ionomer cement.
Because an acid–base reaction (glass-ionomer reaction) is used in the manufacturing process, the name S-PRG (Surface Pre-Reacted Glass-ionomer) includes the term “glass-ionomer.” This may be one reason why Giomer is sometimes misunderstood as glass-ionomer cement. However, if an S-PRG filler–applied glass-ionomer cement were developed—which currently does not exist in the Giomer product line—it would be considered a Giomer material and also categorized as glass-ionomer cement.
Q.2 Is Giomer limited to composite resin?
A No. Giomer is not limited to composite resin.
That being said, the Giomer portfolio primarily features composite resins formulated with S-PRG filler. These materials belong to the composite resin category and are typically referred to as “Giomer composite resins” or “Giomer restoratives.”
Q.3 Is Giomer limited to restorative materials?
A No. Giomer is not limited to restorative materials.
It was initially associated with restorative applications, as early products consisted mainly of adhesives and composite resins used for restoration. Although many Giomer products are restorative materials—such as Beautifil II, Beautifil Flow Plus X, and Beautifil Bulk—these are commonly referred to as “Giomer composite resins” or “Giomer restoratives.”
Q.4 Is Giomer limited to resin materials?
A No. Giomer is not limited to resin-based materials.
In addition to resin-based materials, Giomer product line includes inorganic temporary cement, protective tooth coatings, topical dental care gels, and prophylaxis pastes. Efforts are ongoing to expand the product line and its applications, with planned introduction in endodontics and further expansion in oral hygiene and oral care.
Q.5 Is Giomer a hybrid of glass-ionomer cement and composite resin?
A No. It is not a hybrid of glass-ionomer cement and composite resin.
When Giomer/PRG technology was first introduced around 2000, it included only restorative materials such as adhesives and composite resins. At that time, in comparison to glass-ionomer cements used in the same restorative field, the expression “a hybrid of glass-ionomer cement and composite resin” was used to emphasize the material’s sustained fluoride release capability.

However, the concept of Giomer has since evolved. Its key feature is now its bioactive effect through the sustained release of six types of ions (multi-ion release). The application of Giomer has also expanded to include a wide range of dental treatment and oral care products.

Consequently, Giomer is now firmly established as a bioactive material characterized by its unique multi-ion release profile and its expansion across diverse product categories.
Q.6 What is the difference between Giomer and Compomer?
A Giomer differs from Compomer in both material structure and underlying concept.
The term “Compomer” is derived from a combination of “COMPOsite resin” and “glassiono-MER cement.” Compomer is a filling material composed of a polymerizable monomer, a photo-initiator, and a filler. It contains acidic (carboxyl group-containing) monomers and fluoroaluminosilicate glass. After placement and light curing, it absorbs water from the oral environment, triggering an acid–base reaction between the polymer network and the glass filler. This results in the formation of a glass-ionomer phase and enables fluoride release. This reaction occurs after polymerization and involves secondary structural changes, potentially raising questions regarding its long-term clinical longevity.

In contrast, Giomer contains S-PRG filler with a pre-formed, stable glass-ionomer phase. This structure acts as a reservoir for the release of six types of ions (multi-ion release) and does not undergo secondary structural changes after curing, contributing to stable ion release and material integrity.
Q.7 What is the origin of the name "Giomer"?
A S-PRG filler in Giomer is produced using an acid–base reaction (glass-ionomer reaction).
Initially, the concept of Giomer focused on the ability of resin-based materials containing S-PRG filler to release and recharge fluoride, which is a key feature of glass-ionomer cement.

However, the concept of Giomer has evolved over time. It is now defined by its bioactive properties, achieved through the release of six types of ions from S-PRG filler (multi-ion release). These bioactive effects originate from the glass-ionomer phase within S-PRG filler, which functions as a reservoir capable of trapping and releasing multiple ions. Accordingly, the name “Giomer” can be interpreted as being derived from “Glass IOnoMER phase”.
Q.8 Is fluoride release and recharge the greatest feature of Giomer?
A No. The key feature of Giomer is the release and recharge of six ions (multi-ion release).
Fluoride is only one of the ions released from S-PRG filler. The other ions include strontium, borate, sodium, aluminum, and silicate. The synergistic interaction of these six types of ions contributes to a range of bioactive effects, as demonstrated in research studies.
Q.9 Do the ions released from Giomer composite resin diffuse throughout the oral cavity?
A The ions released from Giomer composite resin are not expected to diffuse throughout the entire oral cavity.
Because the restored area is relatively small compared to the overall oral environment, the bioactive effects of multi-ion release are primarily localized around the restoration and the bonded interface.