Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength to dentin with three different aesthetic chemically bonded restorative materials – an In-vitro study

The use of glass ionomer cements (GIC) as a restorative material was limited to areas of low masticatory forces due to their low mechanical properties which were also affected by the powder/liquid mixing ratio of this material. Bond strength is important for the clinical success of adhesive material. The shear bond strength (SBS) is the maximum force that an adhesive joint can tolerate before fracture which is tested by SBS tests. The high bond strength helps the adhesive to resist stresses caused by resin contraction and forces for a longer time and thus prevents the problems of bond failure such as recurrent caries, tooth sensitivity and restoration failure. GIC as a restorative material has the capacity to release fluoride and shows good bonding ability. The use of GIC in anterior applications appears to be satisfactory, but they have limitations for use in permanent posterior teeth, particularly with regard to large restorations. Zirconia-reinforced GI (Zirconomer, Shofu Inc, Japan) is a new class of restorative material containing reinforced glass ionomer with special zirconia fillers that promises the strength and durability of amalgam with the protective benefits of glass ionomer while eliminating the hazards of mercury. Amalgomer CR (Advanced Health Care, Tonbridge, Kent, UK), a novel ceramic-reinforced GIC, was introduced, which combines the benefits of GIC with the high strength of ceramics. In the present study, shear bond strength to the dentin with Zirconomer, Amalgomer CR and Fuji type IX GIC (GC Tokyo) are compared.