In vitro fluoride release from a light-cured glass-ionomer liner/base.

This paper reports the results of an in vitro study of fluoride release from Vitrabond Light-Cure Glass Ionomer Liner/Base. The material released fluoride ions into the surrounding medium for up to 740 days. The rate of release of fluoride ions was independent of the cure time in the range studied. Combining a conventional polyalkenoic acid solution with the powder portion of Vitrabond Liner/Base did not significantly alter the release profile, thus indicating that light curing did not hinder the rate of fluoride release in this system. Secondary ion mass spectrometry studies of the dentin underlying the cured glass ionomer revealed that there was considerable incorporation of fluoride ions. There was no significant change in the mechanical properties of the cured cement aged in water at 37 degrees C for prolonged periods, thus indicating that long-term fluoride release did not adversely affect the strength of this material.