Influence of thermo-light curing on the microhardness and fluoride release of glass-Ionomer cements

Abstract

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are important restorative materials that are frequently preferred in both primary and permanent teeth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thermo-light curing on the surface microhardness and fluoride ion (F-) release of the materials during the curing reactions of high-viscosity GICs. In our study, Equia Fil (EQ-GC), Fuji IX GP Extra (FGP-GC), and Fuji IX Capsule (FC-GC) were prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and for 60 and 90 seconds during curing Woodpecker LED-C (WL), GC D-Light Pro (GLC) and BlueLuxcer M-855 Halogen Curing Light (HALO) light instruments formed the experimental groups, and self-curing glass ionomer cement samples formed the control groups. VHN and F- release values of both groups were evaluated on 1st day, 1st week, 1st, 3rd, and 6th months. The Jamovi (Version 1.0.4) program was used for statistical analysis. Significant difference was analyzed by the Tukey's post hoc-test (a = 0.05). In the 1st month, EQ exhibited significantly higher microhardness than FC (p<0.05) but not with FGP (p>0.05). All materials exhibited higher microhardness during 1st day than in other periods (p<0.05). In terms of F- release, there were significant differences between materials on the 1st day (p<0.05). EQ, FC, and FGP exhibited higher F- release, respectively. In the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months, EQ exhibited released significantly higher F-significantly (p<0.05), whereas this amount was similar between FC and FGP (p>0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that thermo-light application does not cause unacceptable long-term changes in the physical and chemical properties of materials.