ABSTRACT Objective:

To determine the initial mechanical stabilization of conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) indicated for the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in different storage periods.

Material and Methods:

Specimens were divided according to the GIC (n=12): IZ - Ion-Z, KM - Ketac Molar Easymix, RS - Riva Self Cure, and GL - Gold Label 9. They were prepared and stored in distilled water. Superficial microhardness (SMH) was evaluated (KHN) in three phases: (A) after 1, (B) 3, and (C) 7 days of storage. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 5%).

Results:

The average KHN values for phases A, B, and C were, respectively, 33.05 ± 9.74; 33.21 ± 10.31 and 52.07 ± 11.75 (IZ); 50.35 ± 11.39; 66.05 ± 10.48 and 67.77 ± 13.80 (KM); 89.63 ± 15.59; 71.31 ± 23.86 and 57.70 ± 16.89 (RS); 42.18 ± 9.03; 68.54 ± 6.83 and 57.95 ± 8.24 (GL).

Significant differences were observed:

GIC, time, and interaction of both (p<0.05). KHN values differed between the groups, except in the GIC parameter for KM and GL. The time parameter values of phase A were lower than those of B and C, except for IZ and RS.

Conclusion:

The initial mechanical stabilization differed between the types of GIC tested and the storage time, and after the final period, all had similar SMH.