Mechanical and Bioactive Properties of a Commercial Glass Carbomer: GCP Glass Fill

Background: Glass carbomers, such as GCP Glass Fill, are a type of GICs, which have nanosized apatite added to their composition. The manufacturer describes this material to have remineralizing properties. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of this material and the effect of finishing by thermocuring and gloss on its properties. Methods: Bioactivity was measured by Ca and PO4 release studies, SEM, FT-IR, as well as EDX. Mechanical properties were measured by a compressive strength test. Results: Cements of all finishing types (with/without gloss and/or thermocuring) had comparable and acceptable initial compressive strengths. After an incubation period, all strengths decreased. Conclusions: Although GCP Glass Fill should be bioactive, no signs of bioactivity after incubation in SBF were observed. Moreover, the finishing conditions with Glass and thermocuring do not improve the mechanical properties of the cement. Therefore, this material is not superior to e.g. GICs.