Surface treatments and coatings of hybrid glass ionomer cement to improve mechanical and physical properties

TL;DR

This study tested different surface treatments on a dental cement to improve its strength and durability over time.

Contribution

The study introduces new insights into how surface treatments affect the mechanical and physical properties of hybrid glass ionomer cement.

Findings

Proprietary coat and bonding agent reached minimum required strength fastest (<2 days).

Control showed highest initial fluoride release, but 60s light-curing released most at 28 days.

No significant differences in water sorption or solubility were found across treatments.

Abstract

This in vitro study evaluated the flexural strength, fluoride release, water sorption, and solubility of a high-viscosity hybrid glass ionomer cement (HVGIC, Equia Forte HT, GC Europe) over 28 days following six surface treatments: Equia Forte Coat (light-cured, 20s), bonding agent (Clearfil SE Universal Bond, 20s), light-curing alone as thermal treatment (20s or 60s), petroleum jelly, and untreated control. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37 °C. Flexural strength (three-point bend test, ISO 4049:2019) and fluoride release were assessed at 24, 48, 96 h and 28 days. Sorption and solubility were measured at 28 days. Statistical analysis included bivariate tests, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Tukey’s post-hoc, and Weibull regression.

Proprietary coat and bonding agent reached the minimum required strength (MRS = 80 MPa) fastest (< 2 days), followed by petroleum jelly (2.5 days), 60s light curing (3 days), 20s (4 days), and control (5.5 days). Control showed the highest fluoride release initially, while at 28 days, 60s light-curing released the most fluoride. Proprietary coat and bonding agent showed minimal release. No significant differences in water sorption or solubility were found.

These findings suggest that specific coatings or prolonged light curing can improve HVGIC performance and longevity of restorations.

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