Method for immediate measurement of in vitro bond strength of bonded direct esthetic restorations

There are many different ways to measure the bond strength of direct esthetic restorations to various dental substrates. Unfortunately, most methods cannot measure bond strengths immediately after a restoration has been placed. This lack of clinically-relevant information seriously affects the clinician's ability to select and use various bonding agents and procedures. The aim of this article is to provide a very detailed method for immediate measurement of in vitro bond strengths of direct bonded esthetic restorations. It focuses on the steps that should be taken to select and prepare various tooth substrates for bond strength testing, the steps to "restore" various tooth substrates, and to measure the immediate in vitro bond strength. A fundamental understanding of a standardized testing protocol should provide clinicians with a clearer appreciation of bond strengths associated with various bonding procedures.