Effect of Three Clinical Curing Treatments on Fluoride Release and Surface Hardness of Glass-Ionomer Cements

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of radiant heat, ultrasonic treatment, and 42.7 wt% CaCl2 solution on fluoride release and surface hardness in three conventional glass-ionomer cements (GICs). The fluoride release patterns of each GIC were evaluated during a 28-day period using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. The surface hardness of the tested GICs was evaluated 24 hours after preparation of the specimens using Vickers hardness test. Statistical analysis of the data was made using analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test (alpha = .05). Radiant heat, ultrasonic, and CaCl2 solution treatments reduced fluoride release and increased the surface hardness of the tested GICs (P < .05). Among the tested GICs, differences in fluoride release and surface hardness were observed (P < .05). The clinical treatments investigated may be effective methods for improving the setting reaction of GICs and may achieve sufficient initial mechanical properties earlier. Although a reduction in fluoride release occurs after the treatments, anticariogenic properties of the GICs may not be significantly affected.