Changes in compressive strength of glass ionomer restorative materials with respect to time periods of 24 h to 4 months

This study investigated whether long-term changes occur in the compressive strength of a number of glass ionomer restorative materials, in view of the fact that little information is available from the manufacturers, and any variations with time might affect suitability for clinical use. It was found that, over the period of 24 h to 4 months, some materials, namely those based on polyacrylic acid, maintained or even showed a slight increase in their strength, whereas others based on copolymers of acrylic acid first increased in strength, but thereafter showed deterioration. In one case the strength decreased by nearly 50% compared to that at 24 h.