Quantitative cement solubility experiments in vivo

The dissolution and dissolution rate of dental luting cements was measured longitudinally. Cement samples in enamel were placed in a full prosthesis and worn in the mouth for up to 6 months. At given intervals, replicas of the cement surfaces were made and quantified by means of SEM stereographic photographs. With a stereometer the distance between cement surface and original enamel surface can be determined quantitatively. The results show in vivo solubility rates for zinc-phosphate and glass-ionomer cement of about 80 microns week-1 and 2 microns week-1 respectively.