Comparative evaluation of the effect of mouthrinses on sorption and solubility resistance of a new-bulk fill alkasite and zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement

Background: Among the various physical properties of a restorative material, water sorption and solubility cannot be neglected as they influence the clinical durability and success of a restoration. These two phenomenon, sorption and solubility, further depend on the immersion time and pH of the solution. Objective: The purpose of this invitro study was to comparatively evaluate the effect of three different mouthwashes on sorption and solubility of two newly introduced restorative materials, Cention–N and Zirconomer Improved. Method: A total of 120 cylindrical specimens (4 mm diameter and 2 mm height) were prepared for each material following the manufacturer’s instructions. The specimens were stored in a vacuum desiccator with silica gel for 24 hours(hrs) and were evaluated for sorption and solubility, by first weighing them by a precision weighing scale (W1), then immersing them in three different mouthwashes for 7 days and weighing them (W2), and finally dehydrating them in a desiccator for 24 hours and weighing them (W3). Results: The sorption and solubility values were highest for Zirconomer Improved compared to Cention-N in all three mouhwashes. Low pH alcoholic mouthwash, Listerine, showed the greatest sorption and solubility compared to Aloe Vera mouthwash and Freshclor. Conclusion: All mouthrinses used in the study affected the sorption and solubility of the restorative materials tested, regardless of the presence or absence of alcohol. Both materials showed higher sorption and solubility values than the recommended values by ISO. This means that either the restorative materials tested need to be improved or the mouthrinses used in the present study were aggressive to the materials tested.