Acid erosion, surface topography, and fluoride release of glass ionomer cements subjected to erosive challenge

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To evaluate and compare the acid erosion resistance, surface topography, and fluoride release of restorative glass ionomer cements (GICs) subjected to erosive challenge. Specimens (n=6) of Vidrion R® (VD), Maxxion R® (MA), Vitro Molar® (VM), and GlasIonomer FX ULTRA® (GI) were prepared and stored in water at 5°C/24h. Baseline measurements of thickness, weight, and surface roughness (linear - Ra; volumetric - Sa) were obtained using a non-contact 3D profilometer. Specimens were immersed in 30 mL of a lactic acid buffer (pH 2.74) at 37°C/24h, after which final thickness (eroded depth), mass (eroded mass), and surface roughness were measured. Fluoride release was evaluated in duplicate using a calibrated fluoride-specific electrode. Data were analyzed using Jamovi 2.2.5 (p<0.05). All GICs showed a reduction in thickness; however, only VM exhibited an eroded depth below 0.17 mm (0.10 ± 0.03 mm, per ISO standards). Regarding mass loss, VD experienced the highest reduction and VM the lowest (p<0.05), with GI and MA showing similar losses (p>0.05). Regarding surface roughness, VD showed a reduction in Ra, whereas the other GICs showed increases (p>0.05). All specimens demonstrated a significant increase in Sa, with MA showing the greatest change (p<0.05). In fluoride release, MA and VD had the highest values (98.6 ± 11.8 and 91.4 ± 8.16), GI was intermediate (66.1 ± 4.12), and VM had the lowest (38.4 ± 9.97) (p<0.05). Although all products released fluoride and underwent significant changes in thickness, mass, and surface roughness under erosive challenge, only VM demonstrated adequate acid erosion resistance according to ISO standards.