Comparative laboratory investigation of dual-cured vs. conventional glass ionomer cements for band cementation

This laboratory study compared the mean tensile bond strength, mode of band failure, and survival time of orthodontic bands cemented with dual-cured cement or conventional glass ionomer cement. Survival time was assessed following application of mechanical stress in a ball mill. Mean tensile bond strength was significantly higher for bands cemented with the dual-cured cement (p < 0.01), and mean survival time was significantly greater. Bands cemented with glass ionomer failed mainly at the cement/band interface. The results suggest that dual-cured cement is superior to glass ionomer for band cementation.