Comparison of Mechanical and Surface Properties of Glass Ionomer, Resin-modified Glass Ionomer, and Alkasite Restorative Materials.

Background: Glass ionomer cements (GIC) have long been favored for their fluoride release, chemical bonding, and biocompatibility. However, the inferior mechanical properties of these cements limit their clinical applications in high-stress bearing areas. Recently, alkasite materials have emerged as promising bioactive restoratives combining conventional materials' benefits with superior mechanical strength and ion release. Objective: To compare the mechanical [compressive strength (CS) and surface hardness (SH)] and surface properties [surface roughness (SR)] of a newly introduced alkasite material, Cention Forte, with GIC and "resin-modified glass ionomer cement" (RMGIC). Materials and methods: Samples of specific dimensions were made using three different restorative materials (Cention Forte, GC Fuji 2 Gold Label, and GC Fuji II LC). CS was measured using a universal testing machine, whereas a Vickers hardness tester and a profilometer were used to determine their SH and SR, respectively. Results: GIC exhibited the lowest CS, SH, and the most significant SR. In contrast, Cention Forte demonstrated the highest CS of all materials tested. No significant differences between Cention Forte and GC Fuji II LC regarding SH or SR were noted. Conclusion: Cention Forte offered the best combination of strength, hardness, and smoothness, making it ideal for stress-bearing posterior restorations where both durability and aesthetics are desired.