Method: A total of 140 (80 Cl1 and 60 Cl2) lesions in 59 patients were either restored with a glass-ionomer restorative system (EQUIA/ GC) which was a combination of a packable glass-ionomer (Equia Fil/ GC) and a self-adhesive nano-filled coating (Equia Coat/GC) or with a micro-filled hybrid composite (Gradia Direct Posterior/ GC) in combination with a self-etch adhesive (G-Bond/ GC) by two experienced operators according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Two independent examiners evaluated the restorations at baseline, 12- 24-36-48 and 60 months according to the modified United States Public Health Service criteria. The differences between two groups were statistically evaluated by McNemar, Cochron’s Q and Chi-Square tests (p<0.05).
Result: After 60 months 126 (76 Cl1 and 50 Cl2) restorations were evaluated in 52 patients with a recall rate of 88.1%. None of the restorations showed trends to downgrade in anatomical form, secondary caries, surface texture, postoperative sensitivity and color match (p>0.05). Significant differences in marginal adaptation and discoloration were found at 60 months compared to baseline for both restorative materials for Cl1 and Cl2 restorations (p<0.05). Only 1 Cl2 Equia restoration was missing at 36 months (3.9%), and another one at 48 months (7.7%) (p>0.05). No change was observed at 60 month recall.
Conclusion: The use of both materials for the restoration of posterior teeth exhibited a similar and clinically successful performance after 60 months.