Objectives: To compare the flexural strengths of three self-adhesive resin cements. Methods: Ten specimens measuring 2mm×2mm×20mm were created with each of the following self-adhesive resin cements: 1) A widely investigated self-adhesive cement (RelyXUnicem, 3M ESPE), which served as reference; 2) and 3) Two more recent self-adhesive cements (G-Cem, GC Corp. and Biscem, Bisco Inc.). The specimens were light-cured for 30s from each surface (VIP, Bisco; 600mW/cm2 output) and left undisturbed for 15min before being stored 24h in an environment 100% saturated in humidity at 37°C. A three-point bending test was performed in a universal testing machine (Triax50, Controls) at crosshead speed of 0.75mm/min. The load at failure was recorded and the flexural strength (σ) was calculated in Megapascals (MPa) using the equation: σ= 3Fl/2bh2,
where F= load at failure (N), l= spam between the supports (mm), b= specimen width (mm), and h= specimen height (mm). The flexural strength data were analyzed with the One-Way ANOVA followed by the Tamhane's test. Results: The One-Way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences among the groups (p<0.001). Means and SD of the measured flexural strengths are reported in the Table.
Table: Means(SD) of the measured flexural strengths (p<0.05). Different superscript letters indicate statistically significant differences. The number of tested specimens is reported in square brackets.
Self-adhesive cement | Flexural strength(MPa) |
RelyXUnicem (reference group) | 61.63(24.94)a [10] |
Biscem | 29.70(3.37)b [10] |
G-Cem | 41.43(10.23)a [10] |
Conclusion: The flexural strength of G-Cem resulted comparable to that of the widely investigated RelyXUnicem. Biscem exhibited a lower flexural strength in comparison to the other two investigated cements.