Adhesive properties and performance of glass ionomer cements in dental restorations: A Comparative study of four materials

Abstract

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are widely used in dental restorations due to their ability to release fluoride, adhere to dental tissues, and biocompatibility. However, variations in their mechanical properties raise challenges for material selection. This study evaluates the performance of four commercially available GICs: GC Fuji IX GP Fast (F9), ChemFil Superior (CF), FX-II (FX), and SC. Through comprehensive testing, F9 exhibited superior results across key metrics, including surface hardness (96.27 ± 3.82), compressive strength (158.17 ± 20.15), and the lowest solubility (15.65 ± 0.41). Additionally, F9 showed the least water absorption and the best microstructural stability, with minimal cracks observed under SEM analysis. In contrast, SC displayed the lowest mechanical strength and the highest cytotoxicity, making it less suitable for high-stress applications. The results highlight F9 as the most promising material for dental restorations, especially in high-load environments, due to its durability, stability, and biocompatibility combination. This study provides practical guidance for clinicians in selecting optimal restorative materials to enhance long-term treatment outcomes. Further research is recommended to explore these materials' long-term performance under clinical conditions.