Fluoride ion diffusion from polyalkenoate (glass-ionomer) cements

Abstract

Long-term elution of fluoride ions has been studied for one silicate and six glass-ionomer cements over a period of some two and-a-half years. Because equilibrium was not reached, classical diffusion theory could not be applied to the process. It was postulated that two elution processes were taking place, one short-term and rapid, the other more gradual and prolonged. It was possible only to estimate the maximum value for the diffusion coefficients.