Strength characteristics of glass-ionomer cements

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the compressive and diametral tensile strengths of two silver-reinforced and three conventional glass-ionomer cements of different powder-to-liquid ratios at 1 and 24 hours. ANOVA (P < 0.001) and Tukey's Studentized Multiple Range Test indicated significant differences between the compressive strengths of several of the cements tested (P < 0.05). No significant differences were noted between any of the cements for the diametral tensile strength test (alpha = 0.05).