Abstract
ObjectivesThe last decade has seen a variety of modifications of glass-ionomer cements (GICs), such as inclusion of bioactive glass particles and dispensing systems. Hence, the aim was to systematically evaluate effect of mixing modes and presence of reactive glass additives on the physical properties of several GICs.Materials and methodsThe physical properties of eight commercial restorative GICs; Fuji IX GP Extra (C&H), KetacTM Fill Plus Applicap (C&H), Fuji II LC (C&H), Glass Carbomer Cement and Equia® Forte Fil, capsulated versus manually mixed were assessed. 256 cylindrical specimens were prepared for compressive strength and microhardness, whilst 128 disc-shaped specimens were prepared for biaxial flexural strength tests. Fluid uptake and fluoride release were assessed. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Games-Howell post-hoc tests (alpha = 0.05).ResultsBoth encapsulated GIC/RMGICs exhibited significantly improved mechanical properties in comparison to manually mixed equivalents, which in turn showed higher fluid uptake and early fluoride release (p < 0.05). The glass carbomer cement exhibited improved mechanical properties post ageing and evidence of mineral deposits were apparent in the microstructure.ConclusionsThe mixing mode and inclusion of reactive glass additives in cements had a statistically significant effect on physical properties of the selected GICs-RMGICs.
Highlights
Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) possess unique properties making them clinically attractive restorative materials
The problems identified with the manual-mixing of glass-ionomer cements (GICs) in clinical practice were mainly related to variation in the powder: liquid (P:L) ratio
Glass carbomer cements® (GCP Dental, Mijlweg, Netherlands) a variation of GIC contain nano-sized glass particles, hydroxyapatite (Hap) and fluorapatite (FAp) as fillers that are expected to transform into an apatite-like material over time.[7]
Summary
Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) possess unique properties making them clinically attractive restorative materials. Encapsulation allows maintaining the powder/liquid ratio and mixing regime is standardised the properties of the resultant GIC cements are not influenced by operator-induced variability.[4,5,6] Glass carbomer cements® (GCP Dental, Mijlweg, Netherlands) a variation of GIC contain nano-sized glass particles, hydroxyapatite (Hap) and fluorapatite (FAp) as fillers that are expected to transform into an apatite-like material over time.[7] The fine glass particles are thought to aid its dissolution and ultimate conversion to FAp and HAp promoting the remineralisation of demineralised tooth tissues.[8] The high viscosity GICs with ultrafine glass particles, like Equia Fil, encourage greater cross-linking, which is believed to enhance mechanical properties, wear resistance and solubility as compared to conventional GICs.[9] It has been previously reported that modifications in both powder and/or liquid components of various commercial GICs lead to major changes in physical properties of the cements It is not clear if different mixing regimes influence the long-term properties of the resulting cements and how properties of cements with reactive fillers are influenced on in vitro ageing. The null hypotheses proposed was that mixing regimes (mechanical vs. manually-mixing), the inclusion of reactive glass additives in GICs’ composition, and short-term ageing do not affect their physical properties
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