To silanate or not to silanate: making a clinical decision

Etched porcelain-bonded restorations have become the treatment of choice for the esthetic restoration of anterior teeth. The bond strength of composite resin to properly etched and silanated porcelain exceeds the cohesive strength of porcelain. Although bonding to enamel is accomplished by only etching the surface to create micromechanical retention, bonding to porcelain is achieved both mechanically through etching porcelain and chemically through the use of a silane coupling agent. Literature supports silanization of porcelain, which provides a more reliable bond than etching with hydrofluoric acid only, although the combination of both are recommended. This article discusses the importance of proper silanization of porcelain in obtaining a durable and reliable resin composite bond with porcelain.