Repairability of three resin-modified glass-ionomer restorative materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repair shear bond strengths of three resin-modified glass-ionomer restorative materials repaired at two different times. Thirty specimens of Fuji II LC, Vitremer, and Photac-Fil were prepared in cavities (2 mm x 7 mm) cut into acrylic resin cylinders. After the initial fill, half of the specimens were repaired 5 minutes later and half 1 week later. The specimens were stored in 37 degrees C distilled water when not being repaired or tested. Repairs were made without any surface preparation of the initial fill. Each specimen was mixed according to the manufacturer's directions, placed in the preparation in 1-mm increments and photocured for 40 seconds. The last increment was covered with a plastic strip and a glass slide before curing to create a smooth surface. Repairs were accomplished by drying the specimen for 10 seconds, then adding the new material to the unprepared surface using a 3-mm-thick polytetrafluoroethylene mold. The specimens were thermocycled 500 times, stored in 37 degrees C distilled water for 1 week, then loaded to failure in shear at a rate of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and Z-value multiple comparison test to determine significant differences at the 0.05 significance level. Vitremer showed no significant difference in shear bond strength for 5-minute and 1-week repair periods, while Fuji II LC and Photac-Fil did. Repair bond strength of Vitremer was significantly greater than Fuji II LC and Photac-Fil at both repair times. This study showed that time of repair significantly affected the bond strength of two of the materials tested.