ABSTRACT
Background: Glass ionomer cements (GIC) offer unique properties and clinical uses, making them clinically attractive restorative materials. However, these materials still have limitations due to their lower mechanical and physical properties. Calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution has been used as a method of improving water sorption and solubility properties of GIC. A new form of CaCl2 was suggested by different authors to be more user friendly. Water sorption and solubility were measured at baseline and after pH-cycling protocol. Aim of the study: to evaluate the effect of using CaCl2 in solution and gel forms on water sorption and solubility of the GIC at baseline and after pH cycling. Materials and Methods: Thirty disc-shaped Fuji IX GIC specimens were created and divided into three groups as follows., (n=10); group 1 (control), group 2 (CaCl2 solution) and group 3 (CaCl2 in gel form). Specimens were subjected to pH cycling twice daily with 5% acetic acid (pH=3), rinsed, dried, and kept in distilled water. This cycle was performed 14 times. Water sorption and solubility were measured at baseline and after pH-cycling. Results: The control group showed the highest mean values at baseline and after pH-cycling. Insignificant differences between both CaCl2 groups were seen. Significant increase in water sorption and solubility values were seen after pH-cycling in all groups compared to baseline. Conclusions: CaCl2 in both forms decreased water sorption and solubility of GICs. However, CaCl2 gel was more user friendly. After pH cycling all values of water sorption and solubility were diminished.