Effect of warm air on the shear bond strength of composite resins

This investigation evaluated the operating characteristics of a recently introduced tooth dryer and its effect on the bond strength of three composite resins to etched enamel. The effect of varying air pressure, distance from the tip of the tooth dryer, and distance laterally from mid-air stream on temperature were measured using a rapid-response thermocouple. Specimens were subjected to shear forces either immediately after bonding or after 5 days of water storage. The air stream required from 32 to 41 seconds to reach maximal temperature; however, more than 90% of the maximal temperature was obtained in 20 seconds. There was an increase in temperature with increased air pressure and a decrease in temperature with increasing distance from the tip. The temperature dropped rapidly laterally from the center of the air stream. The shear bond strength measurements were significantly higher for the specimens prepared using the tooth dryer for one composite resin tested immediately after bonding; there was no statistically significant difference for the other resins. The effect of warm air on the shear bond strength of composite resins to etched enamel may be dependent on the resin used and the time between bonding and testing.