Investigation of mechanical properties of reinforced glass i̇onomer cements used as permanent restorative materials

Aim:In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the usage of the reinforced glass ionomer materials like high viscosity glass ionomer and giomer as a permanent restorative material, in comparison with the composite resin in terms of the mechanical properties. Materials and Methods:In our study, three groups were used: Equia Forte, Beautifil II and Solare X . For the shear bond strength test 48 (n=16) and for the microleakage test 27 (n = 9) extracted 3th molar teeth were used. 30 samples (n=10) were prepared for each compression strength test and surface hardness and roughness tests. Shear and compressive strength tests was performed by using universal test device. Standard class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of the tooth for microleakage test. Thermal cycling (5-55oCx10.000) was applied to the restored teeth and kept in 0.5% basic fuchsin for 24 hours. Surface hardness and roughness tests were performed by using the vickers microhardness test and AFM method. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS for Windows Version 22.0. Results:According to the statistical analyze, difference was found between all groups in shear bond strength, surface hardness, compressive strength and microleakage tests (p <0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups according to surface roughness values (p> 0.05). Solare X showed the highest shear bond strength. Equia Forte showed the lowest value in the microleakage test.The highest hardness in surface hardness was obtained in Equia Forte. Beautifil II showed the highest compressive strength. Conclusion:Reinforced glass ionomer cements had similar and better mechanical properties than composite resin in all of the tests except the shear bond strength test. Keywords: AFM method, giomer, Reinforced glass ionomer, shear bond strength, surface roughness, surface hardness