EARLY STRENGTH OF GLASS-IONOMER CEMENTS

The present study compared the compressive, tensile and flexural stren gths of 26 commercial glass ionomer cements, which were evaluated 24 h after the beginning of the setting reaction. In order to give a globa l estimation of their overall strength, a coefficient was attributed t o each glass ionomer cement. This strength coefficient provided a rank ing of the tested materials. The highest scores were obtained by the r estorative glass ionomers; however, these materials exhibited lower me chanical properties than the more classic restorative materials such a s amalgams or composites. The results also showed a large scattering o f the mechanical properties among the luting and lining glass ionomer cements. The creep behavior of the glass ionomer cements was also inve stigated.