Comparative Evaluation of Flexural Strength and Modulus of Elasticity of Three Adhesive Luting Cements at Different Time Intervals under Oral Simulated Conditions: An In Vitro Study

Aim The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of three adhesive luting cements as a function of specimen age, effect of storage media, and effect of curing through porcelain. Materials and Methods Twenty samples fabricated for self-cure resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC; RelyX Luting 2, 3M ESPE, United States) were classified as group 1, whereas 40 samples fabricated for two dual-cure resin cements (20 samples each), Universal Resin Cement (Ammdent, Italy) and Maxcem Elite (Kerr Australia Pty. Ltd.), were classified as groups 2 and 3, respectively. The dual-cure cements were photo-activated using light cure unit with an intensity of 550 mW/cm2 in nine overlapping sections for 20 seconds per section on both sides. A total of 60 samples (20 samples in each group) were fabricated and tested using universal testing machine to compare flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of resin-modified GIC with two dual-cure adhesive resin cements, to determine the influence of storage of the specimens in artificial saliva at 37°C for 24 hours and to determine the influence of curing through porcelain disk of 2 mm thickness on these properties. Results The overall mean flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of resin-modified GIC was less than the dual-cure resin cements. The values reduced for resin-modified GIC when the samples were tested after 24 hours of storage in saliva, whereas an increase in the strength was seen for dual-cure cements. The curing through porcelain disk reduced the properties of dual-cure cements. Maxcem Elite showed better overall mean flexural strength and modulus of elasticity in all the parameters. Conclusion When comparing all three cements, both dual-cure cements showed better flexural strength and modulus of elasticity compared to resin-modified GIC, which indicates their use in cementation of fixed restorations.