GICs

GICs is an acronym that can refer to more than one concept. In dentistry, it denotes glass ionomer cements, a class of dental restoring materials. In finance, it can refer to the General Insurance Corporation of India, the state-owned reinsurer that serves Indian general insurers. The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are formed by an acid-base reaction between fluoroaluminosilicate glass powder and polyacrylic acid. They bond chemically to dentin and enamel and release fluoride over time. GICs are radiopaque, have a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to tooth structure, and can be used as luting agents, direct restoratives in non-load-bearing areas, liners, bases, and fissure sealants. They include conventional GICs and resin-modified GICs (RMGICs) that set partly by polymerization. Advantages of GICs include fluoride release, chemical bonding to tooth structure, good biocompatibility, and relatively low technique sensitivity in moisture-tolerant forms. Limitations include lower strength and wear resistance compared with composites, surface hardness that can be inferior, and greater sensitivity to improper moisture control during initial set.

GIC Re, formally the General Insurance Corporation of India, is India's state-owned reinsurance company. It serves as the principal reinsurer for domestic general insurers, underwriting treaties and facultative reinsurance to distribute risk across lines such as property, motor, casualty, and health. It operates in India and internationally through branches and subsidiaries, supporting the growth, stability, and risk management of the Indian general insurance market.