Methods: Materials and methods: Samples of 2.1(0.5)mm thick and 13(0.5)mm of diameter of four GICs (Fuji 9 Gold Label, GC Int.; Ketac Molar Easymix, 3M Espe; Chemfil Rock, Dentsply-DeTrey and EQUIA, GC Int.) were divided in three treatment groups (n=30): 1) without heating; 2) heated with LED 1400 mW/cm2 during 30” while setting; 3) heated with LED 1400 mW/cm2 during 60” while setting. Samples were stored for 48 hours in distilled water at 37ºC until tested. BFS test was performed using a Universal Testing Machine (Digimess MX5000) at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min. Results were statistically analyzed using Bonferroni test (p>0.05).
Results: Significantly lower mean values resulted for all materials without being heated (53.07MPa). Highest scores were found when GICs were heated for 60” (65.79MPa). EQUIA and Chemfil Rock reached significantly higher mean values in the three groups.
Conclusions: Heating restorative GICs during setting time increases BFS. Application of LED 1400mW/cm2 for longer time (60”) enhances mechanical properties of these materials.