Comparative Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Zinc-reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement and Glass Ionomer Type IX Cement: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

A bstract Aims and objectives The aims and objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the flexural strength and microhardness of zinc reinforced glass ionomer cement and glass ionomer type IX cement. Materials and methods The sample size of twenty each of group I (zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement) and group II (glass ionomer type IX cement) were selected. The samples were prepared in the customized steel molds and subjected to test for flexural strength and microhardness. The flexural strength was determined by the three-point bending test. After determining the flexural strength, the fragments were used to determine Vickers Hardness by means of an automatic microhardness indenter. The flexural strength and microhardness was calculated for all samples and subjected to statistical analysis. Two sample t -test with unequal variances were used, as the data are found to be from the same material. The normality was checked by using the usual normal probability plot. For flexural strength, p value was found to be 0.007530. Hence, zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement was superior to glass ionomer type IX cement. For microhardness the p value was found to be 0.0023. So, glass ionomer type IX cement was superior to zinc reinforced glass ionomer cement. Conclusion The zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement showed enhanced flexural strength when compared to glass ionomer type IX cement, thus increasing the longevity whereas glass ionomer type IX cement had a better microhardness than zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement. Hence, the mechanical properties of various materials should be considered for the long-term clinical success by selecting the appropriate material based on the clinical condition. How to cite this article Patil K, Patel A, Kunte S, et al . Comparative Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Zinc-reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement and Glass Ionomer Type IX Cement: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):381–389.