Influence of heat and ultrasonic treatments on the setting and maturation of a glass-ionomer cement.

Abstract

The optimal durations of the heat and ultrasonic treatments for accelerating setting were 5 minutes and 35 seconds, respectively. The dual treatment using the optimal conditions of the individual treatments further enhanced the setting kinetics. A temperature peak (49°C) within the GIC was detected during setting. Only the dual treatment increased the mechanical properties of the GIC after 24 hours compared to the control, while no significant difference was observed after 1 and 3 months.