Comparison of the shear bond strength of a light-cured glass ionomer and a chemically cured glass ionomer for use as an orthodontic bonding agent

Light-cured glass ionomers with an initial set of 20 seconds may produce higher initial bond strengths, as well as decreased sensitivity to moisture contamination and desiccation, than chemically cured glass ionomers making them attractive for use as orthodontic bonding agents. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the shear bond strength of stainless steel orthodontic attachments to enamel with a light-cured glass ionomer (Zionomer) tested at 60 minutes and 24 hours, and a rapidly setting chemically cured glass ionomer (Ketac-Bond) tested at 60 minutes and 24 hours. Fifty-two recently extracted human premolars were randomly divided into four groups—1-hour and 24-hour light-cured glass ionomer groups and 1-hour and 24-hour chemically cured glass ionomer groups. Stainless steel lingual buttons were bonded to prepared enamel surfaces, and the samples were placed in a water bath at 37° C until ready for testing. The shear bond strength of each sample was determined with a universal testing instrument. Results from the study conclude: (1) The mean shear bond strength of the light-cured glass ionomer is greater than that of the chemically cured glass ionomer at 1 and 24 hours. (2) The mean shear bond strength of both glass ionomers increases from 1 to 24 hours. (3) The mean shear bond strength of the lightcured glass ionomer is not significantly different from 1 to 24 hours, but the shear bond strength of the chemically cured glass ionomer cement is different. The faster setting reaction of the light-cured glass ionomer and its higher initial and sustained bond strength make it more attractive for use as an orthodontic bonding agent.