Solubility and fluoride release in ionomers and compomers

Objective: The degree of solubility and the fluoride release of glass-ionom er cements and "compomers" were determined as a function of time. Method an d materials: Three conventional glass-ionomer cements three hybrid ionomers , and two compomers were included in the study Disk-shaped specimens were p repared and immersed in a lactic acid solution. Solubility was evaluated fr om determinations of loss of mass as a function of time. To evaluate fluori de release, similar specimens were immersed in 50 mL of deionized water to which 50 mL of buffer solution was added. A fluoride ion detector was used to read the concentration of fluoride ion in the overall solution at differ ent times after immersion. Results: Material and time factors had a signifi cant influence on results. The compomers showed less corrosion and fluoride release than the ionomers. Some correlation was found between solubility a nd fluoride leakage values. Conclusion: Components of both the ionomers and compomers that were studied can dissolve in water. The materials leak fluo ride ions in amounts that differ according to the characteristics of the in dividual products.