Glass-ionomer cement film thickness and working time

Reports on film thickness for adhesive glass-ionomer cements have not been consistent, and confusion exists relative to proper working times. In this investigation, film thickness was measured over a range of times for three glass-ionomer cements by using a traditional ADA glass plate technique and a simulated clinical cementation technique with castings and dies. The cements were examined from 60 seconds to 255 seconds from the start of mix. Results indicated that the simulated clinical technique generally provided less film thickness. No significant differences in film thickness were found between the brands of cement through 240 seconds with film thickness ranging from 7.24 to 20.5 microns. Greater differences between the cements were observed with the ADA technique beyond 135 seconds from the time of mix. Relative to film thickness, working times would appear to be greater than previously reported for glass-ionomer cements.