Physical properties of different orthodontic cements

Introduction We evaluated the water absorption, solubility, and compressive strength of different cements and resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs), namely Adhesor®, Ketac™ Cem, Ortho Band Paste LC™, Glass Ionomer Band Cement, and Transbond™ Plus. Our aims were to compare the mechanical and physical properties of the cements widely used in orthodontics and to define the most suitable cements in an oral environment in terms of those characteristics. Materials and methods To assess compressive strength, the cements were subjected to compression tests done on a universal testing machine. To test water absorption and solubility, the weight changes in cement specimens were determined after immersion in distilled water for 1, 7, and 30 days. Results Adhesor® and Ketac™ Cem presented significantly higher solubility values than other cements after water immersion for 1, 7, and 30 days (p < 0.001). Conclusion Our results revealed that the traditional orthodontic cements have higher water solubility and water absorption values as well as lower compressive strength values than the RMGICs used in this study. Furthermore, Transbond™ Plus revealed the highest compressive strength, whereas Adhesor® showed the lowest.