Final answer:
Glass ionomer cement has a lower solubility in oral fluids, releases fluoride to prevent tooth decay, and has a lower film thickness compared to zinc phosphate cement.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing glass ionomer cement to zinc phosphate cement, there are notable differences to consider. While zinc phosphate cement has been in use for a long time due to its durability, glass ionomer cement offers several advantages. First, it has a lower solubility in oral fluids than zinc phosphate cement, which is beneficial for longevity of dental restorations. Second, glass ionomer cement's ability to release fluoride contributes to the prevention of further tooth decay. Third, although zinc phosphate often has a higher compressive strength, glass ionomer cement provides enough strength for certain types of restorations, along with better adherence to natural tooth structure. Lastly, glass ionomer cement tends to have a lower film thickness, which is important for a closer fit to the tooth.