Study of the mechanical properties of the novel zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement

Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of the zirconia-reinforced restorative material (Zirconomer®) with conventional glass ionomers (Fuji 1X) and amalgam. Materials and methods: Specimens (n = 120) were fabricated from silver amalgam, reinforced glass ionomer cement (GIC) (glass ionomer, Fuji 1X GC Corp.), and zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer (Zirconomer, Shofu Inc.) for testing the CS and DTS. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by a Tukey post hoc test. Results: Both CS and DTS were found to be significantly higher for the zirconia-reinforced GIC and silver amalgam compared with GIC (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A newer class of restorative material like Zirconomer helps to overcome the potential hazard of mercury, but retains the strength and durability of amalgam as well as the sustained high-fluoride release of GICs. Furthermore, long-term studies are required to confirm its use as an alternative to the currently available posterior restorative material.