Effect of time on the flexural strength of glass ionomer and composite orthodontic adhesives.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of time on the flexural strength of a resin-reinforced glass ionomer and a composite adhesive system, specifically at three time frames corresponding to the three stages of polymerization of Fuji Ortho LC. Ten rectangular specimens of each material were prepared in a metal mold (25 x 2 x 2 mm) and then stored at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity in an incubator. Six test groups were created, in which each specimen was fractured using a 3-point-bending test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The test results indicated that there were significant differences among the groups (P = .0001). The flexural strengths were significantly higher in the two groups (III and VI) that were fractured after seven days. This was true for both the Fuji Ortho LC (x = 77 +/- 6.1 MPa) and the Concise (x = 103.9 +/- 4.2 MPa). The flexural strength of the resin-modified glass ionomer adhesive was significantly lower than that for the composite whatever the time of fracture, 10 minutes, one hour, or seven days. The analysis of the strength-deformation curve of the group of Fuji Ortho LC, which was fractured within 10 minutes after setting (group I), showed viscoplastic behavior, whereas that of all the others groups showed elastic behavior. According to this study, clinicians must consider the mechanics of Fuji Ortho LC setting and, when this material is used, wait for at least one hour to ligate initial or repaired arch wires.