Effects of Temperature and Aging on Working/Setting Time of Dual-cured Resin Cements

To evaluate the effects of aging and temperature on working time (WT) and setting time (ST) of several dual-cured resin cements.

WT and ST were determined with a thermo-controlled stage oscillating rheometer. New cement kits were used for the study. Cements were mixed according to instructions and dispensed on the oscillating stage that was preset at 22°C or 37°C. Rheologic charts were generated from the beginning of mixing until no further oscillation was detected. After initial measurements, cement kits were aged at 37°C for 12 weeks, and WT/ST was determined again at both temperatures. Five samples were read for each material and condition. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance and a Tukey test at α=5% for each individual material.

The WT and ST of all cements were significantly affected by temperature and aging (p<0.05). In general, higher temperature accelerated WT/ST, but aging effects were material dependent. Some materials presented reduced WT/ST, whereas others showed increased WT/ST, regardless of the temperature.

The WT and ST were significantly affected by temperature variation and aging condition. Although temperature changes appeared to affect all materials similarly, aging effects were material dependent.