A preliminary comparison of the mechanical properties of chemically cured and ultrasonically cured glass ionomer cements, using nano-indentation techniques.

There is a requirement for a dental cement with properties comparable or superior to conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) but with the command set properties of the resin-modified GICs. The objective of this work was to show that the application of ultrasound to conventional Fuji IX commercial glass ionomer cement imparts a command set, whilst improving the short-term surface mechanical properties. Nano-indentation techniques were employed to highlight the improvements in hardness and creep resistance imparted to the cement through the application of ultrasound.