Self-reparability of glass-ionomer cements: an in vitro investigation

Abduo J, Swain M. Self‐reparability of glass‐ionomer cements: an in vitro investigation. Eur J Oral Sci 2011; 119: 187–191. © 2011 Eur J Oral Sci Despite the advantages of glass‐ionomer cement (GIC) restorative materials, they exhibit low mechanical properties and are susceptible to dissolution. The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence of self‐reparability of a GIC material. Thirty Fuji IX discs were fabricated and subjected to desiccation. The discs were randomly separated into three groups: one group was kept in air, a second group was soaked in water, and a third group was placed in casein phosphoprotein‐amorphous calcium phosphate‐containing solution (Dentacal; NSI, Hornsby, Australia). After 21 d of incubation, all specimens were subjected to biaxial flexure testing. One‐way anova revealed a statistical difference in the biaxial flexure strength between the groups. Weibull statistics revealed that the Dentacal group demonstrated a lower probability of failure than the other groups. The air group exhibited the highest probability of failure. The difference between the specimens was expected as a result of enhanced cross‐linking between the polyalkenoate chains and the GIC particles, and the diffusion of ionic components to the set GIC. Therefore, perhaps a form of reparative mechanism exists for precrazed GIC when it is exposed to a remineralizing solution. In addition to the benefit on natural tooth structures, this study indicates that remineralizing solutions are also beneficial for maintaining the mechanical integrity of GIC restorations.