A comparative evaluation of the marginal sealing ability and compressive strength of different restorative materials – Type VII glass-ionomer cement, Type IX glass-ionomer cement, and intermediate restorative material: An in-vitro study

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study is to assess and to comparatively evaluate the marginal sealing ability and the compressive strength between type VII GIC, type IX GIC and IRM. Materials and Methodology: Class I cavities were made on a total of 30 extracted and preserved premolars and restored with type VII GIC, type IX GIC and IRM (3 groups of 10 samples each). Samples were thermocycled, stained with 2% gentian violet dye, sectioned bucco-lingually and scored for microleakage under Stereo-Zoom microscope and results were statistically evaluated. 30 Cylindrical shaped moulds were taken and restored with Type VII GIC, Type IX GIC and IRM.(3 groups of 10 specimens each) . The specimens were tested for compressive strength by mounting them on Universal testing machine. Results: The comparison of the performance between the three groups showed a statistically significant difference. P< 0.05 were considered to be significant values. Conclusion: In this study, Type IX GIC showed the least microleakage and high compressive strength when compared to the other two restorative cements. This in-vitro study needs a proper clinical investigation to be applied as a clinical long-term study to overcome the lack of exact oral environmental reflections.