Introduction: Glass ionomer cement consisting of HY agent- a tannic acid-strontium fluoride-zinc fluoride complex, has claimed to promote re-mineralization, increase acid resistance, and reduce solubility hence providing greater retentive strength. Aim: This in vitro study was to compare and evaluate the retentive strength of orthodontic bands cemented with HY agent-containing glass ionomer cement (Shofu HY Bond) versus conventional glass ionomer cement (Voco Meron). Materials and Methods: Forty extracted mandibular first molar teeth were embedded in acrylic resin blocks with the buccal surface of crowns perpendicular to the base of the blocks. Twenty teeth were banded with Shofu HY bond GIC (group 1) and the next twenty teeth were banded with Voco Meron luting GIC (group 2). After thermocycling (3000 cycles, 5° to 55°C) the retentive strength of both the groups of GICs were assessed using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1mm/minute. An independent sample t-test was performed to compare the retentive strength of the two groups. Results: The mean retentive strength of bands cemented with Shofu HY bond GIC was 12.50 ±1.36 MPa and with Voco Meron luting GIC was 12.34 ±1.52 MPa and did not differ significantly. Conclusion: There was no difference in the retentive strength of bands cemented with Shofu HY bond GIC and Voco Meron luting GIC.