In vitro evaluation of dentinal bonding agents in mixed Class V cavity preparations

The effect of ten dentinal bonding agents on composite resin restorations was tested in mixed Class V cavity preparations. The marginal quality of the restorations was quantified under a scanning electron microscope before and after thermocycling. In addition, the marginal seal was semiquantitatively evaluated with a dye penetration technique. Marginal adaptation in dentin was poor in seven test groups. Three products showed values of excellent margin in dentin exceeding 50% after thermocycling. Furthermore, some dentinal bonding agents had a deleterious effect on marginal adaptation to the etched enamel surfaces.