RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: A major challenge when using glass ionomer cement in clinical situation particularly in paediatric dentistry is to overcome the problem of microleakage. Fast or command setting of Type IX glass ionomer cement using external energy source enhances the setting reaction and results in improved initial physical and mechanical properties. AIM: To compare and evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation, halogen light irradiation and combined effect of both on microleakage of enamel adjacent to Type IX glass ionomer restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For forty premolar teeth, standard Class V cavities prepared were restored with GC Gold Label Type IX glass ionomer cement in vitro. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups: 1) Control group; 2) halogen group; 3) ultrasonic group; 4) ultrasonic with halogen group. The teeth were kept in distilled water for 24 hours. Teeth were exposed to 1500 thermocycles at temperature of 12°C ±2 and 60°C ±2 with alternate immersion in hot and cold water for one minute. First teeth were immersed in dye solution for four hours and then in developing solution for four hours. The samples were sectioned buccolingually through centre of the restorations and degree of dye penetration was assessed under stereomicroscope and scored. One-Way ANOVA model was constructed followed by post-hoc Tukey's test for multiple pair wise comparison of mean values. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in microleakage among the four groups (p<0.001) with respect to dye penetration. Halogen group showed least microleakage followed by control but differences between them were statistically not significant (p>0.05). Similarly the differences between Ultrasonic plus halogen group and ultrasonic group were not significant (p>0.05). The differences between ultrasonic and halogen group were statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Halogen light decreases the microleakage of enamel adjacent to GC Type IX glass ionomer restorations, when used to accelerate the setting reaction of glass ionomers and can be used as command set method in paediatric dentistry.