The effect of heating and ultrasound on the shear bond strength of glass ionomer cement.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of externally applied "command set" methods (heat, ultrasound) on shear bond strength to enamel of several glass ionomer cements (GIC). The vestibular surfaces of 180 extracted premolars were wet ground until a flat enamel surface was created, and divided into three groups. Three restorative GICs (Fuji IX GP Fast, Fuji Triage, Ionofil Molar AC) were cured in three ways: standard (SC), ultrasonic excitation (UC) and by an external heat source (HC). In each group, teeth were conditioned in two ways: 30 with 10% polyacrylic acid and 30 without conditioning. The GIC were used to fill teflon molds (3 x 4 mm). The samples were loaded in a Universal testing machine (Lrx Material Testing Machine) at a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. Results showed that heat cured Fuji IX on conditioning enamel had significantly greater shear bond strength (13.3 MPa) than all other tested groups (8.6-10.8 MPa) (p < 0.001). The mean shear bond strength in GIC with SC and without enamel conditioning was 3.6-5 MPa and had significantly lower bond strength. Heating of GIC increase bond strength, improves the properties of GIC restoration and can be recommended for use as a "command set" method.