Which material is often used for temporary restorations?

The correct choice highlights that glass ionomer or temporary crown material is commonly used for temporary restorations due to several key characteristics. Glass ionomer cement is favored for its ability to bond chemically to both the tooth structure and metal, offering a good seal at the margins and helping to prevent microleakage. It also releases fluoride, which can aid in protecting the tooth and promoting remineralization.

Temporary crown materials, often made from acrylic resins or similar substances, provide an adequate short-term solution while a more permanent restoration is being prepared. These materials are designed to be easily manipulated and adjusted by the dentist, ensuring that they can provide a functional and aesthetic interim solution. Their relatively easy application and removal make them an ideal choice in situations where the final restoration is not yet completed.

In contrast, other materials like composite resins, amalgam, and porcelain are primarily used for permanent restorations. Composite resins, while they can be used temporarily, are generally more complex to remove and apply compared to the specialized temporary materials. Amalgam is durable and well-suited for permanent placements in posterior teeth but is not typically used for temporary restorations due to its hardness and difficulty in removal. Porcelain, while aesthetically appealing and commonly used for permanent crowns