What is a significant disadvantage of conventional glass ionomer compared to resin-modified GIC?

The significant disadvantage of conventional glass ionomer compared to resin-modified glass ionomer (GIC) is its aesthetic appearance. Conventional glass ionomer tends to be less visually appealing because it has a more opaque and less tooth-like color compared to resin-modified GIC, which can be formulated to better match the natural translucency of teeth. This aesthetic limitation can be particularly important in anterior restorations where a natural appearance is critical. Resin-modified GIC, on the other hand, is designed to offer improved optical properties, making it a preferable choice for applications where appearance is a key concern.

Other aspects, such as adhesion to enamel, application techniques, and working time, are relevant but do not capture the primary aesthetic disadvantage. While conventional glass ionomer does have less adhesion compared to other materials, it still provides adequate bonding for many clinical situations. Moreover, the application techniques for both types of glass ionomer can be similar, and the working time is typically not a significant differentiating factor between the two materials.