Comparative Evaluation of Flexural Strength, Wear Resistance and Micro-Hardness of Zirconia Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement, Silver Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement and Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement: An in Vitro Study.

Abstract

Aim-

Glass ionomer cements are one of the most commonly used restorative materials in pediatric dentistry. However, they have a few drawbacks like low wear resistance, low flexural strength and degradation of the surface. To overcome these disadvantages, various materials have been added to these cements. The aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare the flexural strength, microhardness and wear resistance of a zirconia reinforced GIC, Silver Reinforced GIC and a conventional high strength type 9 GIC.

Materials and methods-

The materials to be tested were mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and placed in customized stainless steel moulds. 5 samples for each test were prepared for each material. Once set, these were removed from the molds and standard machines were used to test the parameters that were to be tested.

Results-

A statistically significant difference was noted in the values for flexural strength and microhardness of the three materials. The highest flexural strength and microhardness was seen in the silver reinforced GIC. The difference in the values of wear resistance between the three groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion-

Within the limitations of this study, silver reinforced GIc had the better physical properties as compared to zirconomer and Conventional GIC. However, no statistically significant difference was found between zirconomer and Silver reinforced GIC.