Effect of multiple application of a dentin adhesive on contraction gap width of a resin-based composite

To test the efficacy of the multiple application of a total-etch dentin adhesive was investigated by measuring (1) the contraction gap width of a light-activated resin-based composite in a cylindrical dentin cavity and (2) the early tensile bond strength to a flat dentin surface with the Single Bond Dental Adhesive System.

Contraction gap width was measured in a cylindrical dentin cavity (3 mm x 1.5 mm) treated with a single coat or double coats of the Single Bond adhesive and restored with Silux Plus or Z-100. As control, the cavity was treated with an experimental dentin bonding system consisting of EDTA, 35% GM and Clearfil Photo Bond. Early tensile bond strengths of Silux Plus or Z-100 were measured on the flat dentin surface treated with the three bonding procedures as in the contraction gap study within 10 min. after final cure.

The contraction gap of Silux Plus and Z-100 was prevented with the double coats of the Single Bond adhesive, whereas the contraction gap of Z-100 was not prevented with the single coat of the Single Bond and the experimental system. When the film thickness of the Single Bond system was less than 2 microm, the gap could not be prevented. The tensile bond strengths of Silux Plus and Z-100 to flat dentin mediated with the three bonding procedures were not significantly different (P>0.05).