Bond strength of visible light-cured glass ionomer orthodontic cement

In this in vitro study, tensile strength tests were conducted with a visible light-cured glass ionomer cement (Fuji Ortho LC, GC America Inc.) bonded to extracted teeth under six different enamel surface conditions: (1) dry nonetched, (2) moist etched, (3) moist nonetched, (4) moist nonetched rebonded, (5) moistened with saliva substitute, and (6) moistened with human saliva. Two resin adhesives (Rely-A-Bond and Phase II, Reliance Orthodontic Products) were applied to dry and etched enamel and served as control agents. The glass ionomer cement approached the strength observed for resin adhesives and required the presence of moisture on the enamel surface for optimal performance.