Effect of different beverages on microhardness of Zirconia reinforced Glass Ionomer and micro-hybrid Resin composite

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of commonly used beverages, on surface microhardness of Zirconia reinforced glass ionomer (Zirconomer improved) and microhybrid resin-based composite (Filtek Z250). Materials and methods: A total of 40 disk-shaped specimens were fabricated (20 discs from each type of material). Ten Specimens from each material were immersed in Instant Coffee and the other ten Specimens were immersed in Cola. After initial microhardness recording, each group was subject to thermocycling and then microhardness was re-assessed (n= 10). Results: It was observed that each of restorative material type, thermocycling, and immersion solution, had a statistically significant effect on mean microhardness of both tested materials irrespective of the other tested variables. Conclusion:Resin composite showed significant higher hardness values when compared to Zirconia reinforced glass ionomer. There was a significant decrease in hardness in both materials after thermocycling, with a significant influence of soft drinks more than instant coffee.