UCLA

Equia� Forte Fil (EFF) is a new glass ionomer cement (GIC) with limited published data on its physical properties. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the mechanical Properties, microhardness, and fluoride releasing properties of EFF to two commonly used restorative GICs. Ten specimens of each GIC were tested. EFF exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.05) flexural strength and surface hardness than Fuji IX. However, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between the compressive and diametral tensile strength of EFF and Fuji IX. ChemFil Rock revealed higher flexural strength than EFF (P > 0.05) but significantly lower compressive strength and microhardness (P < 0.05). All GICs exhibited almost the same fluoride burst and continued fluoride release from the bulk of the material. EFF has superior mechanical properties and surface hardness, which expands its clinical application to Class I and II restorations in stress bearing areas.