An assessment of the jet-test method for solubility measurement of dental cements

The use of the jet-test method for laboratory measurements of dental cement solubilities was explored. Two cements, a glass-ionomer and a silicate, were used as models. Lactic acid concentrations in the range 0.1-0.005 M, ionic strength, the effect of column height, the effect of continuous and intermittent flow, and the effect of temperature were investigated. Several modifications to the jet-test equipment were made as a result of these studies. All the above-mentioned variables were shown to be critical in obtaining reproducibility, and a failure to control them will most probably give invalid results. The mode of wear (which is linear with time in most cases) is shown to include a significant element of erosive wear as well as one based on chemical attack.