Fluoride release of glass ionomer–based luting cements in vitro

Statement of problem. There is considerable variation in generic formulation and in reported fluoride release from resin-modified glass ionomer luting cements. Purpose. This study compared fluoride release from 2 generically similar resin-modified glass ionomer luting cements (Vitremer and Advance) with release from 2 conventional glass ionomer luting cements (Ketac-Cem and Fuji I). Material and methods. Ten specimen disks of each of the 4 luting cements were fabricated and immersed in deionized water in individual polystyrene jars. The jars were stored in a humidor at 37°C between test periods. At the same time each day, for 28 days, fluoride release from each specimen disk was measured in parts per million by testing the storage water. Results. The 4 luting cements tested showed an initial high concentration of fluoride release during the first week, followed by a gradual decrease over the study period. Vitremer luting cement demonstrated the greatest mean cumulative fluoride release in parts per million over the study period (198), followed by Fuji I (140), Ketac-Cem (110), and Advance (99) luting cements. Conclusions. Resin-modified glass ionomer luting cements showed fluoride release comparable to the conventional glass ionomer luting cements. Vitremer luting cement released more fluoride over the 28-day period than the other cements. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;82:172-6.)