Evaluation of Flexural Strength, Micro-Tensile Bond Strength and Fluoride Release of a Glass Hybrid Restorative Material

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate flexural strength (FS), micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) and fluoride release (FR) of a newly introduced glass-ionomer cement based on glass-hybrid technology (EQUIA Forte Fil) compared with conventional cement (Fuji IX GP). Flexural strength was determined by a Universal Testing Machine using three-point bending test. Micro-tensile bond strength to sound dentin was measured using the Universal Testing Machine. Fluoride release was evaluated at 1,3,5 and 7 days in distilled water using an ion specific electrode connected to an ion analyzer. Data were statistically analysed and compared using unpaired Student's t-test (α = 0.05). Flexural strength results showed that EQUIA Forte exhibited insignificantly higher values compared with Fuji IX. EQUIA Forte exhibited significantly higher μTBS than Fuji IX. Fluoride release results showed that after 24 h from storage there was no significant difference between the two cements, while a significant difference was noted on the other incubation periods. EQUIA Forte showed better mechanical properties, good bond strength with sound dentin and higher FR compared with the conventional cement, which could be a promising step in the development of GIC.