In Vitro Comparison of Flexural Strength of a Bioactive Composite and a Reinforced Hybrid Glass Ionomer

Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare the flexural strength of a bioactive composite and a reinforced hybrid glass ionomer (GI). Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 10 rectangular-shaped specimens were fabricated from Activa Bioactive composite (N=5) and EQUIA Forte Coat GI (N=5) using stainless steel molds with internal dimensions of 2×2×25mm according to the manufacturers' instructions. The flexural strength of the specimens was measured with a universal testing machine with the three-point bending test using a load of 50±16N/min at a crosshead speed of 0.75±0.25mm/min. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (α=0.05). Results: The mean flexural strength was 57.91MPa for the bioactive composite and 19.20MPa for the reinforced hybrid GI. The mean flexural strength of the bioactive composite was significantly higher than that of hybrid GI (P=0.008). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the results indicate that the Activa Bioactive composite exhibits greater flexural strength compared to EQUIA Forte Coat GI.