Zirconia-glass ionomer cement--a potential substitute for Miracle Mix

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) particles were used for the replacement of amalgam alloy in Miracle Mix. The mechanical properties of YSZ-glass ionomer cements were investigated after 1 day, 1 week and 1 month storage in distilled water. Miracle Mix was used as a control and Fuji IX GP acted as standards for comparison. Results showed that the mechanical properties generally increased with soaking time. No significant differences in hardness and compressive strength were observed for the three types of glass ionomers at different time intervals. The diametral tensile strength of YSZ-glass ionomer was, however, significantly greater than that of Miracle Mix due to the better interfacial bonding between the particles and the matrix. The YSZ-glass ionomer also showed comparable mechanical properties to the Fuji IX samples. YSZ-glass ionomer may serve as a potential substitute for Miracle Mix because it is tooth-colored and it has better mechanical properties.