Film thickness of new adhesive luting agents

This study determined and compared the film thicknesses of new adhesive luting agents. The method was in compliance with American National Standards Institution/American Dental Association (ADA) Specification No. 8 for zinc phosphate cement. Each of the 20 materials tested was manipulated exactly as described in the manufacturers' instructions. An electronic gauge with an accuracy of 0.5 micron was recalibrated after each recording, and each luting agent was measured 10 times. The mean film thickness and standard deviation were calculated for each luting agent; an analysis of variance and a multiple comparison test were also performed. Nine materials satisfied the ADA type I specification for film thicknesses less than 25 microns, and these included a hydroxyapatite cement, glass ionomer cements, zinc phosphate cements, and polycarboxylate cements. Five other materials met the ADA type II specification for film thicknesses of less than 40 microns, and these included a glass ionomer cement, a resinous cement, a zinc phosphate cement, and glass ionomer-resinous hybrids. Six resinous cements recorded film thicknesses greater than 40 microns, and suggestions were made regarding future development and research.