The marginal seal of Class II restorations: flowable composite resin compared to injectable glass ionomer

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a flowable composite resin (Tetric Flow) versus an injectable glass ionomer (Fuji II LC) on microleakage at the cavosurface margin of the proximal box of Class II restorations in permanent teeth in-vitro. Thirty caries and restoration-free human bicuspids were prepared with mesial and distal slot preparations and were filled either with a bonding agent (Optibond) plus a flowable composite resin (Tetric Flow), Group I; bonding agent (Optibond) plus a flowable glass ionomer (Fuji II LC), Group II; or a flowable glass ionomer (Fuji II LC) with no bonding agent, Group III. All specimens were then immersed in a 2% solution of basic fuschin dye for 24 hours to allow for dye penetration into possible existing gaps. These teeth were then carefully sectioned mesially/distally into two pieces using an Isomet saw. The teeth were then studied under a binocular microscope to measure depths of dye penetrations as an indication of marginal microleakage at the gingival cavosurface margin and scored as follows: 0 = no dye penetration, 1 = dye penetration into enamel only, 2 = dye penetration into enamel and dentin, 3 = dye penetration into the pulp. The specimens were also evaluated using a SEM. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between Groups I (Tetric Flow) and (Fuji II LC plus bonding agent), II in favor of Group I; between Groups I and (Fuji II LC with no bonding agent), III in favor of Group I; as well as Groups II and III in favor of Group II (Fuji II LC plus bonding agent). Group I (bonding agent plus flowable composite resin) showed significantly less microleakage. Group II (bonding agent plus flowable glass ionomer) demonstrated a bond that existed between the bonding agent and the glass ionomer but microleakage within microgaps of the glass ionomer itself Group III (flowable glass ionomer plus no bonding agent) demonstrated significant microleakage between the glass ionomer and tooth structure, microgaps within the glass ionomer, and lack of retention of the restoration. It appears that the use of a flowable composite resin (Tetric Flow) plus a bonding agent (Optibond) in the proximal box of a Class II restoration in permanent teeth will significantly reduce the microleakage at the cavosurface margin when compared with an injectable glass ionomer (Fuji II LC) with or without a bonding agent (Optibond).     

Shear bond strength of resin-modified restorative glass-ionomer cements to dentin--an in vitro study

An in vitro study was carried out on 40 periodontally involved, caries free human maxillary and mandibular molars to evaluate shear bond strength of resin- modified restorative glass-ionomer cements to dentin. Teeth were divided into four groups, Group I--Fuji II (Conventional glass ionomer) Group II (Fuji II LC), Group III (Vitremer), Group IV (Geristore). Shear bond strength was tested using a transaxial testing machine. Results showed that shear bond strength of all resin-modified restorative glass-ionomer cements was higher than conventional glass ionomer (Fuji II) tested. No statistical difference was found between Fuji II LC and Geristore. However, bond strength of Vitremer was lower than Fuji II LC and Geristore but higher than Fuji II.     

4种玻璃离子水门汀对ITI基台与金属内冠之间粘接力的比较研究

目的：研究4种玻璃离子类水门汀对ITI种植系统标准颈粘接固位基台和金属内冠之间的粘接力。方法将10只金属内冠与10只I T I标准颈粘接固位基台分别使用以下4种水门汀进行交叉粘固：A组为玻璃离子水门汀（日本）;B组为树脂加强型玻璃离子水门汀（美国）;C组为暂时粘固用玻璃离子水门汀（日本）;D组为玻璃离子水门汀（德国）;粘固后测试并记录样本粘接力（N）,同时观察并记录粘固界面的断裂模式,最后,对粘接力进行统计学处理。所有内冠和基台经清洗后重复使用。结果4种水门汀的粘接力及由大至小的排列顺序为C组（183.6±29.4） N〉D组（153.4±36.2） N〉B组（144.4±41.1） N〉A组（109.9±25.7）N,其中C组的粘接力最高,A组的粘接力最低,A组显著低于其它3种水门汀（P〈0.05）。对样本的断裂面观察显示,A组和D组样本断裂面发生在水门汀和基台表面之间,而B组和C组样本的断裂面则呈现混合断裂的模式。结论2种玻璃离子水门汀和树脂加强型玻璃离子水门汀都具有临床可接受的粘接力,而暂时粘固用玻璃离子水门汀因粘接力太大,不适用对种植牙冠进行暂时粘固。     

Microleakage on Class V glass ionomer restorations after cavity preparation with aluminum oxide air abrasion

This in vitro study assessed the marginal microleakage on class V cavities prepared with aluminum oxide air abrasion and restored with different glass ionomer cements. The cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 15 sound third molars with an air- abrasion device (Kreativ Mach 4.1; New Image) using a 27.5-microm aluminum oxide particle stream, and were assigned to 3 groups of 10 cavities each. The restorative materials were: group I, a conventional glass ionomer cement (Ketac-Fil); groups II and III, resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Vitremer R and Fuji II LC, respectively). After placement of the restorations, the teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h, polished and then submitted to a thermocycling regimen of 500 cycles, isolated, immersed in 0.2% Rhodamine B solution for 24 h, included and serially sectioned. Microleakage was assessed by viewing the specimens under an optical microscope connected to a color video camera and a computer. The images obtained were digitized and analyzed for microleakage using software that allows for a standard quantitative assessment of dye penetration in millimeters. Statistical analysis was done using the Kruskall-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. Means of dye penetration (%) were: occlusal - I: 25.76 +/- 34.35, II: 20.00 +/- 42.16, III: 28.25 +/- 41.67; cervical - I: 23.72 +/- 41.84; II: 44.22 +/- 49.69, III: 39.27 +/- 50.74. No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were observed among either the glass ionomer cements or the margins. In conclusion, class V cavities restored with either conventional or resin-modified glass ionomer cements after preparation with aluminum oxide air abrasion did not show complete sealing at the enamel and dentin/cementum margins.     

Effect of various surface protections on the margin microleakage of resin-modified glass ionomer cements

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Because conventional glass ionomer cements are moisture sensitive, a surface coating is recommended during the initial setting stage. It is unknown whether resin-modified glass ionomer cements also need surface protection. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of various surface protections on microleakage with Class V resin-modified glass ionomer restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty extracted molars with buccal and lingual Class V cavity preparations were restored with a resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC). The occlusal margin of each restoration was on enamel and the cervical margin on dentin. After immediate finishing and polishing, the teeth were divided into 4 groups according to the following surface protection treatments: group I, unprotected; group II, Fuji varnish; group III, resin adhesive; and group IV, acid etching and resin adhesive. After these procedures, all teeth were stored in isotonic saline for 24 hours, thermocycled 1500 times at 5 degrees C to 60 degrees C, and soaked in dye solution for 24 hours. The teeth then were longitudinally sectioned and observed under a stereomicroscope. The degree of dye penetration was recorded and analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (P<.05) RESULTS: None of the 4 groups demonstrated complete margin sealing at either the occlusal or cervical margins. Groups II and III displayed the least microleakage at cervical margins; a significant difference existed between groups I and III (P=.034). Compared with the other 3 groups, group IV showed significantly greater microleakage at the cervical margins. CONCLUSION: Although resin-modified glass ionomers can be finished immediately, they remain moisture sensitive. Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that resin adhesive should be used as a surface protection to reduce margin microleakage of resin-modified glass ionomer restorations.     

Comparative Evaluation of Bond Strengths of Different Core Materials with Various Luting Agents Used for Cast Crown Restorations

The coronal cast restoration continues to be used commonly to restore mutilated, endodontically treated teeth. The tensile bond strength of luting cements is of critical importance as many of failures are at the core and the crown interface. An invitro study with aim to evaluate and compare bond strengths of luting cements between different core materials and cast crowns. A total of 45 extracted identical mandibular second premolars were endodontically treated and divided into 3 groups of 15 each. Specimens in first group were restored with cast post and core (Group C), and specimens in second group were restored with stainless steel parapost and composite core material (Group B) and specimens in third group were restored with stainless steel parapost and glass ionomer core build (Group G). Standardized crown preparation was done for all the specimens to receive cast crowns. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups and were cemented using 3 different luting cements namely, resin cement, polycarboxylate cement, glass ionomer cement (Type I). The samples of each subgroup (n = 5) were subjected to tensile testing using Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min till the dislodgement of crown from the core surface was observed. The bond strengths were significantly different according one way ANOVA (F-150.76 and p < 0.0000). The results of the study showed that the specimens cemented with resin cement in cast core, composite core and glass ionomer core exhibited significantly higher bond strengths as compared to specimens cemented with glass ionomer and polycarboxylate cement. Composite resin core and resin cement combinations were superior to all other cement and core combinations tested.     

Tensile bond strength of glass fiber posts luted with different cements

Proper selection of the luting agent is fundamental to avoid failure due to lack of retention in post-retained crowns. The objective of this study was to investigate the tensile bond strength and failure mode of glass fiber posts luted with different cements. Glass fiber posts were luted in 40 mandibular premolars, divided into 4 groups (n = 10): Group 1--resin-modified glass ionomer RelyX Luting; Group 2--resin-modified glass ionomer Fuji Plus; Group 3--resin cement RelyX ARC; Group 4--resin cement Enforce. Specimens were assessed by tensile strength testing and light microscopy analysis for observation of failure mode. The tensile bond strength values of each group were compared by ANOVA and Tukey test. The significance level was set at 5%. The failure modes were described as percentages. The following tensile strength values were obtained: Group 1--247.6 N; Group 2--256.7 N; Group 3--502.1 N; Group 4--477.3 N. There was no statistically significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 or between Groups 3 and 4, yet the resin cements presented significantly higher tensile bond strength values than those presented by the glass ionomer cements. Group 1 displayed 70% of cohesive failures, whereas Groups 2, 3 and 4 exhibited 70% to 80% of adhesive failures at the dentin-cement interface. We concluded that resin cements and glass ionomer cements are able to provide clinically sufficient retention of glass fiber posts, and that glass ionomer cements may be especially indicated when the application of adhesive techniques is difficult.     

An in vitro study to assess the setting and surface crazing of conventional glass ionomer cement when layered over partially set mineral trioxide aggregate

The aim of our study was to assess the setting time and surface crazing of glass ionomer cement when layered over partially set mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). To assess setting time, 40 hollow, cylindrical stainless steel molds were taken and equally divided into 4 groups. In groups I, II, and III glass ionomer cement was layered over partially setting MTA at 45 minutes, 4 hours, and 3 days, respectively. Group IV was used as a control. An additional 50 specimens were prepared for assessment of surface crazing. Twenty specimens (groups I and II) were prepared to study normal and desiccated patterns of conventional glass ionomer cement, respectively. Thirty specimens (groups III, IV, and V) were prepared by layering glass ionomer cement over partially set MTA at various time intervals. All the specimens were stained with red ink and analyzed for craze lines by light microscopy. From our study, it was observed that there was no statistical difference in setting time of glass ionomer cement when layered over partially set MTA in comparison to that of the control group. No craze lines were observed in those specimens (groups III, IV, and V) when viewed under staining and light microscopy. It could be concluded that conventional glass ionomer cement might be layered over partially set MTA after 45 minutes and could be used for single visit procedures.     

Adhesion of different brands of glass ionomer cements to a ceramometal alloy

Aims

The aim of the study was to assess, compare and evaluate the adhesive strength and compressive strength of different brands of glass ionomer cements to a ceramometal alloy.

Materials

(A) Glass ionomer cements: GC Fuji II - GC Corporation, Tokyo; Chem Flex — Dentsply DeTrey, Germany; Glass ionomer FX — Shofu-11, Japan; MR dental — MR Dental Suppliers Pvt. Ltd., England; (B) ceramometal alloy — Ugirex III; (C) cold cure acrylic resin; (E) temperature cum humidity control chamber; and (F) Instron universal testing machine.

Methods

Four different types of glass ionomer cements were used in the study. From each type of the glass ionomer cements, 15 specimens were made to evaluate the compressive strength and adhesive strength, respectively. Fifteen specimens were further divided into 3 subgroups each having 5 specimens. For compressive strength, specimens were tested at 2, 4 and 12 hours by using Instron universal testing machine. To evaluate the adhesive strength, specimens were surface treated with diamond bur, silicone carbide bur and sandblasting, and tested under Instron universal testing machine.

Results and conclusions

It was concluded from the study that the compressive strength as well as the adhesive bond strength of MR dental glass ionomer cement with a ceramometal alloy was found to be maximum compare to other glass ionomer cements. Sandblasting surface treatment of ceramometal alloy was found to be comparatively more effective for adhesive bond strength between alloy and glass ionomer cement.     

新型高强度玻璃离子水门汀修复漏斗状残根的实验研究

目的：探讨应用新型高强度玻璃离子水门汀对漏斗状残根的修复效果。方法：将45个完整的上颌离体中切牙预备成漏斗状残根，随机分成3组，A组：新型高强度玻璃离子水门汀核联合成品金属螺纹桩修复。B组：双重固化型复合树脂核联合成品金属螺纹桩修复。C组：Ni-cr合金铸造桩核修复。将样本固定于电子万能测试仪上，测试抗折强度并观察折断模式。结果采用方差分析、X^2检验。结果：新型高强度玻璃离子水门汀组的牙根抗折强度已达到较高水平，与双重固化型复合树脂组的牙根抗折强度并无显著性差异，而这两组的牙根抗折强度虽然低于Ni-cr合金铸造桩核组，但其折断模式更有利于牙根的重复利用。结论：应用新型高强度玻璃离子水门汀核联合成品金属螺纹桩可用来修复漏斗状残根。     

Mechanical properties of luting cements after water storage

This study determined the effect of water storage on flexural strength (FS) and compressive strength (CS) of 12 luting cements from different material classes. In addition, the influence of the curing method on the mechanical properties was investigated. The materials examined were two zinc phosphate cements (Harvard cement and Fleck's zinc cement), two glass ionomer cements (Fuji I and Ketac-Cem), three resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Fuji Plus, Fuji Cem and RelyX Luting), four resin cements (RelyX ARC, Panavia F, Variolink II and Compolute) and one self-adhesive universal resin cement (RelyX Unicem). The samples were prepared and tested according to ISO specifications. Specimens for FS and CS were loaded to fracture at a constant crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. The mechanical properties were measured after the materials were stored in distilled water at a temperature of 37.0 +/- 1.0 degrees C for 24 hours and 150 days after mixing. In a one-way ANOVA, multiple mean value comparisons using Duncan's multiple comparison tests were performed. Resin cements had the highest flexural and compressive strengths, followed by self-adhesive universal resin cement. These materials were statistically stronger than resin-modified glass ionomer cements, glass ionomer cements and zinc phosphate cements.     

极固宁对水门汀与牙本质间剪切强度的影响

目的：评价极固宁脱敏剂对5种水门汀剪切强度的影响。方法：收集双尖牙30颗。包埋牙齿,暴露牙本质面,用水砂纸打磨牙本质面。所有牙齿被分为实验组和对照组。实验组的牙本质面首先用极固宁脱敏处理,然后分别用5种水门汀将树脂小柱粘在牙本质表面。对照组的牙本质不涂脱敏剂,使用前述提到的水门汀粘固树脂小柱。所有试样放在37℃水浴中浸泡24h后测量剪切强度。结果：极固宁脱敏剂没有显著降低聚羧酸锌水门汀和玻璃离子水门汀的剪切强度,但却会使磷酸锌水门汀的剪切强度大幅下降。极固宁也使树脂加强玻璃离子水门汀和树脂水门汀的粘接强度下降。结论：极固宁对磷酸锌水门汀、树脂加强玻璃离子水门汀、树脂水门汀与牙本质间粘接强度有不利影响,对聚羧酸锌水门汀和玻璃离子水门汀与牙本质间粘接强度无不利影响。     

Time‐dependence of coronal seal of temporary materials used in endodontics

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare parametrically the coronal seal ability over different periods of times of four restorative materials used to seal the pulpal access cavity after endodontic treatment. One hundred and thirty‐five mandibular premolars were divided randomly into three time groups (1, 2 and 4 weeks), each of which was in turn divided into four subgroups. Each subgroup was restored using one of four restorative materials: Coltosol, glass ionomer cement (GIC), zinc phosphate (ZP) cement, or intermediate restorative material (IRM) cement. The root canals were prepared using the crown‐down technique, and obturated using lateral condensation. Following placement of the restorative material, the samples were incubated in distilled water at 37°C and were subjected to 50 thermocycles (0 ± 4, 56 ± 4C). After immersing in (2%) methylene blue dye for 24 h, teeth were longitudinally sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope. The results showed that Coltosol and GIC cement were significantly superior in sealing ability to ZP and IRM cements (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between GIC cement and Coltosol. Both Coltosol and GIC after 1 week were significantly better than 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in the seal ability at different time periods when ZP and IRM cements were used.     

Evaluation of Adhesive and Compressive Strength of Glass Ionomer Cements

The aim of the study was to assess, compare and evaluate the adhesive strength and compressive strength of different brands of glass ionomer cements to a ceramometal alloy. (A) Glass ionomer cements: GC Fuji II (GC Corporation, Tokyo), Chem Flex (Dentsply DeTrey, Germany), Glass ionomer FX (Shofu-11, Japan), MR dental (MR dental suppliers Pvt Ltd, England). (B) Ceramometal alloy (Ni–Cr: Wiron 99; Bego, Bremen, Germany). (C) Cold cure acrylic resin. (E) Temperature cum humidity control chamber. (F) Instron Universal Testing Machine. Four different types of Glass ionomer cements were used in the study. From each type of the Glass ionomer cements, 15 specimens for each were made to evaluate the compressive strength and adhesive strength, respectively. The 15 specimens were further divided into three subgroups of five specimens. For compressive strength, specimens were tested at 2, 4 and 12 h by using Instron Universal Testing Machine. To evaluate the adhesive strength, specimens were surface treated with diamond bur, silicone carbide bur and sandblasting and tested under Instron Universal Testing Machine. It was concluded from the study that the compressive strength as well as the adhesive bond strength of MR dental glass ionomer cement with a ceramometal alloy was found to be maximum compare to other glass ionomer cements. Sandblasting surface treatment of ceramometal alloy was found to be comparatively more effective for adhesive bond strength between alloy and glass ionomer cement.     

五种黏固剂下纤维/树脂复合材料桩钉固位力的研究

目的 比较纤维/树脂复合材料(FRC)桩钉在5种黏固剂下的固位力。方法 将FRC桩钉用5种黏固剂(磷酸锌水门汀、玻璃离子水门汀、聚羧酸水门汀、EB复合树脂、AB组份复合树脂)分别黏固于新鲜离体上前牙牙根内,在电子力学试验机上测试其固位力。结果 FRC桩钉在不同黏固剂下与根管的固位力由大到小的顺序是:AB组份复合树脂>玻璃离子水门汀>EB复合树脂>聚羧酸锌水门汀>磷酸锌水门汀。AB组份复合树脂的固位力最大,为(418.14±23.40)N。结论 新研制的FRC桩钉的固位力可以满足临床需要。     

Shear bond strength of a new high fluoride release glass ionomer adhesive

OBJECTIVE: To determine the shear bond strength of a new resin glass ionomer adhesive with higher fluoride release properties when bonding orthodontic brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty freshly extracted human molars were collected and stored in a solution of 0.1% (weight/volume) thymol. The teeth were cleaned and polished. The teeth were randomly separated into three groups according to the enamel conditioner/etchant and adhesive used. Group I: 20 teeth conditioned with 10% polyacrylic acid and brackets bonded with the new glass ionomer adhesive. Group II: 20 teeth conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid and brackets bonded with the new glass ionomer adhesive. Group III (control): 20 teeth etched with 37% phosphoric acid and brackets bonded with a composite adhesive. RESULTS: The results of the analysis of variance comparing the three experimental groups (F = 10.294) indicated the presence of significant differences between the three groups (P = .0001). The shear bond strengths were significantly lower in the two groups bonded with the new glass ionomer adhesive whether conditioned with polyacrylic acid ( x = 3.2 +/- 1.8 MPa) or phosphoric acid (x = 2.3 +/- 1.1 MPa), while the mean shear bond strength of the composite adhesive was 5.2 +/- 2.9 MPa. CONCLUSIONS: Although the increased fluoride release from the new glass ionomer has the potential of decreasing decalcification around orthodontic brackets, the shear bond strength of the material is relatively low.     

Effects of an intracanal glass ionomer barrier on coronal microleakage in teeth with post space

Bacterial microleakage of the remaining gutta-percha in teeth prepared for post space with and without the use of an intracanal glass ionomer barrier was evaluated. Forty distal roots of mandibular molars were instrumented, obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer, and post spaces created. Teeth were divided as follows: Group I, 3 mm of gutta-percha; group II, 4 mm of gutta-percha; group III, 2 mm of gutta-percha plus 1 mm of Vitrebond; and group IV, 3 mm gutta-percha plus 1 mm Vitrebond. The roots were suspended in Rogosa SL broth and Lactobacilli casei was used as a microbial marker. At the end of 92 days, the mean number of days for the broth to turn turbid was group I, 23.8; group II, 43.0; group III, 57.4, and group IV, 70.5. A two-way ANOVA showed differences between the groups and a post hoc Tukey HSD analysis revealed the following significant differences (p < 0.05): Group I leaked faster than groups III and IV and group II leaked faster than group IV. In clinical situations of teeth with compromised crown-root ratio that require a post and core, 1 mm of Vitrebond over 2 or 3 mm remaining gutta-percha could reduce the risk of recontamination of the apical gutta-percha.     

三种粘结剂粘结嵌体的微渗漏对比研究

目的：评价复合树脂嵌体及纯钛嵌体采用3种不同粘结剂的微渗漏情况。方法：选择72颗健康上颌前磨牙,随机分为6个实验组,每组12颗。按嵌体备洞要求制备Ⅱ类洞。前三组制作纯钛嵌体,分别用玻璃离子、树脂改良型玻璃离子和树脂粘结剂粘结固位。后三组制作复合树脂嵌体,分别用玻璃离子、树脂改良型玻璃离子和树脂粘结剂粘结固位。结果：同一种材料嵌体用不同粘结剂处理,其微渗漏程度差异有显著性（P〈0.05）;在相同粘结处理不同种嵌体的组间比较,其微渗漏差异P〉0.05。结论：树脂改良型玻璃离子粘结剂与树脂粘结剂抗微渗漏性能优于玻璃离子粘结剂。     

PULPAL TEMPERATURE INCREASE WITH HIGH-SPEED HANDPIECE,ER:YAG LASER AND ULTRASOUND TIPS

The aim of this study was to compare intrapulpal temperature increase produced by high-speed handpiece, Er:YAG laser and CVDentus ultrasound tips during cavity preparation. Thirty bovine mandibular incisors with an enamel/dentin thickness of 4 mm at buccal surface had their roots amputated and were allocated to the following groups (n=10): Group I- high-speed handpiece; Group II- noncontact Er:YAG laser (250 mJ/4Hz); and Group III- CVDentus ultrasouns tips. All devices were used with water cooling. Class V cavities were prepared to a depth of 3.5 mm, measured with a periodontal probe. A type T thermocouple was placed inside the pulp chamber to determine the temperature increase (°C), which was recorded by a data acquisition system ADS 2000 IP (Lynx Technology) linked to a notebook computer. Data were analyzed statistically by oneway ANOVA and Tukey''s test (p=0.05). The mean temperature rises were: 1.10°C (±0.56) for Group I, 0.84°C (±0.55) for Group II, and 3.00°C (± 1.34) for Group III. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between Groups I and II, but both of them differed significantly from Group III (p<0.05). In conclusion, the use of Er:YAG laser and high-speed handpiece for cavity preparation resulted in similar temperature increase. Although ultrasound tips generated significantly higher intrapulpal temperature increase, it remained below the critical value of 5.5°C and may be considered safe for use.     

In vitro fatigue resistance of glass ionomer cements used in post-and-core applications

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: New glass ionomer cements exhibit better mechanical properties than their older counterparts. However, there is concern about their use as a core material in post-and-core applications. PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the fatigue resistance of 2 new glass ionomer cements, Shofu Hi-Dense and Fuji IX GP, and compared their mechanical behavior as a core material under masticatory load with a silver-reinforced glass ionomer (ESPE Ketac-Silver) and a silver amalgam (Cavex Avaloy LC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 commercial plastic teeth were divided into 4 groups of 25 specimens each. Titanium posts were placed in the prepared root canals, and cores were built up in amalgam, silver-reinforced glass ionomer cement, and the 2 new glass ionomer cements. The post-and-core specimens were prepared for full cast metal crowns, which were fabricated and cemented with glass ionomer cement. Twenty specimens from each group were placed in a mastication simulator and cyclically loaded with a 400 N force for 1.5 million cycles. The 5 remaining specimens were used as controls. The specimens were sectioned and observed macroscopically and microscopically to determine the number of defects (alterations) in each material. Observed defects were verified with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the 4 core materials were ranked with the Tukey multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: The mean rank sum values of the defects were as follows: Cavex Avaloy LC Amalgam (16.75), Fuji IX GP (38.50), Shofu Hi-Dense (39.53), and ESPE Ketac-Silver (67.22). The amalgam alloy was significantly different (P< .05) from the others. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, the 2 new glass ionomer cements used as core materials showed a higher number of defects than amalgam. These results suggest that their fatigue resistance may be inadequate for post-and-core applications.