Lactic acid jet test: in vitro erosion rates of glass ionomer dental cements containing radiopacifying elements.

The lactic acid jet test erosion rates were measured for 13 radiopaque glass ionomer dental materials obtained from a number of manufacturing sources. The erosion rate was compared with that found for the non-radiopaque restorative from the same manufacturer to determine whether the addition of an extra element had affected the resistance to erosion. Six materials were not significantly affected, six showed a significant increase in erosion rate. Only one material showed a reduced erosion rate. Materials containing a high proportion of any additive could show an increased erosion rate. Glass ionomer cements with or without radiopacifying elements had low erosion rates compared with other dental materials.