A clinical comparison of different powder: liquid ratios of two glass ionomer cements on the retention of orthodontic molar bands.

The clinical significance of adding 50 percent more powder to a standard mix of two glass ionomer luting cements was assessed. Failure rates (loose bands) were recorded over a 12 month period and removal of cement was subjectively assessed at the time of band removal. There was no significant difference between Fuji I standard and heavy mix or between Ketac Cem standard and heavy mix. Cement deposits at band removal were always on enamel surfaces. The heavier mix of each cement was far more difficult to remove, and may have significance in restorative dentistry. There were no cases of enamel demineralisation around the margins of bands at the time of band removal.