WEAR-RESISTANCE OF RESIN CEMENTS

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro wear resistance of four resin cement s and a glass ionomer cement using a three-body wear test. Materials a nd Methods: Each cement was evaluated as a direct restorative material as well as in conjunction with an inlay. All restorations were placed into cylindrical shaped cavity preparations generated on the flattene d occlusal surface of human extracted molars. The bulk wear resistance of a cement was determined when tested as a direct restorative materi al. Results: The wear resistance of all cements was greater when teste d in conjunction with a resin composite inlay restoration. Although we ar of a cement is dependent upon the method of testing, it was greater when combined with a less wear resistant resin composite inlay materi al. All of the cement materials used in this study exhibited less wear resistance than the resin composite inlays with which they were used. This in vitro wear testing system can be used as a screening test for the cement materials before a clinical study.