RESUMO
PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the compressive strength and surface microhardness of EQUIA Forte, light cure, and conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC). METHODOLOGY: Fifty-four pellets of G-Coat (GC) Gold Label 2, GC Gold Label light-cured universal restorative material, and EQUIA Forte GIC were prepared of dimensions (6 × 4) mm and were divided into three groups (18) each and were stored at 37°C for 1 h and then immersed in 20 ml of deionized water, artificial saliva, and lactic acid six each, respectively, over 30 days. Samples were subjected to surface microhardness and compressive strength test on the 1st day, 7th day, and 30th day. Results were subjected to ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. RESULTS: Comparing the compressive strength of EQUIA Forte from day 1 to 30 when placed in artificial saliva, there was a significant increase on day 30 (P = 0.007); compared to other groups. The surface microhardness of EQUIA Forte from day 1 to 30 when placed in artificial saliva nonsignificantly decreased comparing to other groups. CONCLUSION: Surface microhardness and compressive strength of EQUIA Forte were significantly high in comparison to the other groups.
