Variation in powder/liquid ratio of a restorative glass-ionomer cement used in dental practice.

This study investigates the powder/liquid ratios of a glass-ionomer restorative (ChemFil II, Dentsply) mixed in clinical practice. Twenty-two dental surgery assistants (11 from general practice; 11 from a dental hospital) mixed this cement as they would for clinical use. Samples were taken of three mixes from each assistant and the powder/liquid ratios were derived from weight loss on dehydration. A wide range of ratios were obtained, but in no case was the manufacturer's recommended ratio of 6.8:1 achieved. The consistency measured in accordance with BS 6039 showed the cement at 6.8:1 to be less fluid than the requirements of the standard and other glass-ionomer restoratives. When tested at the mean ratio used in practice, 5.0:1, the consistency complied with BS 6039, but the compressive and diametral strengths did not, being about half the values found at 6.8:1. It was concluded that this restorative was often mixed in practice at much lower powder/liquid ratios than that recommended by the manufacturer and that this would impair the cement's mechanical properties.