Increase in compressive strength of glass ionomer restorative materials with respect to time: a guide to their suitability for use in posterior primary dentition.

Glass ionomer restorative cements have been used in anterior restorations for a number of years but have not been considered strong enough for use in posterior restorations. The compressive strengths of a number of materials currently available were measured at 30 min, 1 hour and 24 hours. It was concluded that some of the materials might be considered for posterior restorations in deciduous teeth where no other considerations, such as radiopacity, apply.