Fluoride release of glass ionomer-based luting cements in vitro.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is considerable variation in generic formulation and in reported fluoride release from resin-modified glass ionomer luting cements. PURPOSE: This study compared fluoride release from 2 generically similar resin-modified glass ionomer luting cements (Vitremer and Advance) with release from 2 conventional glass ionomer luting cements (Ketac-Cem and Fuji I). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten specimen disks of each of the 4 luting cements were fabricated and immersed in deionized water in individual polystyrene jars. The jars were stored in a humidor at 37 degrees C between test periods. At the same time each day, for 28 days, fluoride release from each specimen disk was measured in parts per million by testing the storage water. RESULTS: The 4 luting cements tested showed an initial high concentration of fluoride release during the first week, followed by a gradual decrease over the study period. Vitremer luting cement demonstrated the greatest mean cumulative fluoride release in parts per million over the study period (198), followed by Fuji I (140), Ketac-Cem (110), and Advance (99) luting cements. CONCLUSIONS: Resin-modified glass ionomer luting cements showed fluoride release comparable to the conventional glass ionomer luting cements. Vitremer luting cement released more fluoride over the 28-day period than the other cements.