CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELASTICITY IN DENTAL LUTING CEMENTS

Objectives: The development of elasticity of dental luting cements was investigated as an indicator of working and setting time. Method: A d isplacement rheometer was used to monitor the development of elasticit y. Three luting cements were examined. Results: The initial onset of e lasticity in the glass-ionomer and polycarboxylate cements did approxi mate the manufacturer's quoted working times. The onset of elasticity did not appear to define a clinically useful working time for the zinc phosphate cement. Conclusions: The development of elasticity in lutin g cements as a measure of working time was not universally relevant. T he demonstration of the presence of elasticity in some cements may hav e consequences for cementation and all ceramic crown systems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.