Evaluation of mechanical properties of four conventional glass ionomer cements used in orthodontic bands cementation

Diego Andrei AGUIAR, Márcia Regina da SILVEIRA, Daltro Enéas RITTER, Arno LOCKS, Maria Cristina Marino CALVO

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the flexural strength, the compressive strength and the diametral tensile strength of four conventional glass-ionomer cements (Vidrion C/SS White; Meron/Voco; Ketac Cem/3M ESPE; Vivaglass/Ivoclar-Vivadent) used in Orthodontics for band cementation. Methods: Twelve specimens of each cement were prepared for each test. Specimens were fabricated according to ISO 4049 (flexural strength) and to the ADA specification #66 (compressive strength and diametral tensile strength). Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37ºC for 24 hours, and tested using an Instron Universal Testing Machine 4444 with crosshead speeds of 0.75mm/minute (flexural strength) and 1mm/minute (compressive strength and diametral strength). Results: The results (mean ± SD, in MPa) for flexural strength were: 25.85 ± 5.43 (Meron); 21.85 ± 6.96 (Vidrion C); 20.85 ± 4.17 (Vivaglass); 20.50 ± 4.89 (Ketac Cem). Compressive strength (in the same order): 77.72 ± 20.21; 56.49 ± 8.54; 47.84 ± 9.25; 81.93 ± 13.37. The results for diametral tensile strength were (in the same order): 9.59 ± 2.09; 5.25 ± 1.29; 7.69 ± 2.09; 4.08 ± 1.32. Conclusions: No statistically significant difference was detected in the flexural strength among the different groups. Meron and Ketac Cem yielded greater mean compressive strength values than Vidrion C and Vivaglass. Meron resulted in significantly higher diametral tensile strength mean value than the other cements.

Keywords: Glass ionomer. Band. Cementation.

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