In vitro investigation of fluoride ion release from four resin-modified glass polyalkenoate cements

Conventional glass ionomer cements are known to release fluoride ions to the surroundings. Recently, resin-modified glass ionomer cements have been produced. These have differing chemical formulations and this may affect their ability to release fluoride ions. The study evaluates both the fluoride release and compressive strength of one conventional and four resin-modified glass ionomer cements with respect to time. The results showed that the formulation of the resin-modified materials influenced the fluoride release. One resin-modified glass ionomer (PhotacFil) released more fluoride than all other materials, while Vitremer, Fuji II LC and Chemfil Superior release similar amounts. Variglass had a very much smaller elution of fluoride ions. This suggests that there is considerable variation in fluoride release between materials of similar generic origin. The compressive strength of these materials was not affected with time.