Effect of Brushing Simulation on the Surface Roughness of Two Different Commercially Available Glass Ionomer Cements - An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is a restorative material used in dentistry which can also be used as luting cement and for fixing orthodontic appliances. The main components found in GIC are silicon, calcium, sodium and fluoride. In order to improve the toughness of the cement, speed of setting and resistance to wearing, water content of the glass-ionomer cement was replaced by water-soluble polymers or monomer systems. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of brushing simulation on the surface roughness of two different commercially available glass ionomer cements. Materials and Methods: GC gold label and D Tech are commercially available glass ionomer restorative cements chosen for this present study. 5 samples were prepared from each. The samples were checked for pre-surface roughness using a stylus profilometer and then subjected to brushing. Toothbrush simulator (ZM3.8 SD Mechatronik) with minimum pressure of 3N and a fluoridated toothpaste was used for brushing. Then the post surface roughness was again checked and the results were tabulated and then statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Surface roughness was increased after brushing simulation in both GC gold label and D Tech GIC samples. This difference was statistically not significant (paired student t, p value = 0.763). Conclusion: D-tech GIC samples had less surface roughness after brushing simulation when compared to GC Gold label samples.