Microscopic features of clinically successful dentine bonding

Clinical success with resin-based bonding systems depends upon meticulous attention to detail at each stage of the bonding process. Cavity margins placed in enamel wherever possible and etched for at least 15 to 30 seconds will ensure a reliable peripheral seal. Dentine conditioning should be brief--a maximum of 15 seconds for surface demineralization only. Diffusion of primers into the full extent of dentinal demineralization is enhanced by application of multiple coats. Any solvent or moisture remaining on a primed dentine surface will prevent adaptation of bonding resin, resulting in non-attachment. Adhesive bonding resin provides a valuable elastic intermediate layer for absorption of stresses of polymerization shrinkage--but it should be of uniform thickness and not air-thinned. Incremental insertion of resin composite will reduce polymerization stresses and ensure a fully cured restoration.