Effect of Aging on Compressive Strength, Fluoride Release, Water Sorption, and Solubility of Ceramic-reinforced Glass Ionomers: An In Vitro Study

Ab s t r Ac t Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aging on compressive strength; fluoride release; water sorption; and solubility of ceramicreinforced (amalgomer CR), resin-modified (Fuji VIII), and high-viscosity (Equia fill) glass ionomers. Materials and methods: A total of 141 specimens were prepared, 47 for each restorative material. For compressive strength testing, cylindrical specimens (4 mm diameter and 6 mm thickness) were prepared and tested after 24 hours and 6 months of storage in deionized water (n = 10). Disk-shaped specimens with 6 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness were prepared for fluoride release (n = 7) and measured at 24, 48 hours, 7 days, 1, 3, and 6 months. Disk-shaped specimens (15 mm diameter and 1 mm thickness) were prepared for water sorption and solubility testing and measured at 7 days, 1, 3, and 6 months (n = 5). Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: Amalgomer CR and Fuji VIII showed the highest compressive strength, whereas Equia fill showed the lowest value after 24 hours. After 6 months of aging, the compressive strength of amalgomer CR was significantly decreased. Amalgomer CR showed the highest initial fluoride release followed by Fuji VIII and Equia fill. Equia fill showed the least amount of water sorption and solubility followed by Fuji VIII and amalgomer CR. Significance: Zirconia fillers enhanced the properties of glass ionomer; however, this improvement was dramatically reduced with water aging.