Comparison of the solubility of conventional glass ionomer and modified cements: An in vitro study

Solubility of restorative materials leads to loss of marginal intergrity, surface properties and aesthetics. Thus, the solubility of these materials is of considerable importance. The aim of this in vitro study was to measure the solubility of two types of conventional and resin-modified restorative glass–ionomer cements (GIC). Two conventional GICs (Ionocid F and Fuji II) and two resin-modified GICs (Iono Gem LC, Fuji II LC) were employed in the present study. A Perspex mould, 7mm in diameter and 2mm thick was used to fabricate five specimens from each material. Samples were suspended in 50 cc distilled water during the study period. To measure solubility, all specimens were dried and weighed at different time intervals, up to one month. Solubility was expressed as the mean weight loss percentage. The results were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measurements on one factor and Scheffe and t-paired tests (P < 0.05). Ionocid F and Fuji II LC demonstrated the highest (24.09%± 0.87%) and lowest (1.05%±0.74%) solubility values, respectively. The solubility of Iono Gem LC (7.34%± 2.20%) and Fuji II (9.01%±1.33%) were intermediate between the other two cements. An increase in solubility was observed during the test period for all studied materials. The solubility of Iranian GICs was significantly higher than Fuji II and Fuji II LC cements.