Seven-year dentin bond strengths of a total- and self-etch system

The aim of this study was to determine the durability of tensile bond strengths of a conventional 3-step bonding system (Superbond D-liner Plus) and a self-etching priming bonding system (Clearfil Liner Bond II) to bovine dentin over a 7 yr period. Superficial bovine dentin finished with 600-grit SiC paper was bonded with one of the two adhesive materials. A 4 mm diameter area was bonded, covered with resin composite and stored in 37 degrees C deionized water containing gypsum chips and 0.4% sodium azide as an antibacterial. Bonds were stressed in tension at a crosshead speed of 1 mm min(-1). Mean bond strengths were observed at 1 d, at 1, 3, and 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 yr. Ten specimens were tested for the first 3 yr and 15 specimens were tested for 6 and 7 yr. The bond strength of Superbond D-liner Plus significantly decreased over the 7 yr period, whereas Liner Bond II showed a slight but, insignificant, decrease. The fracture mode changed with time for Superbond D-liner Plus, but not for Liner Bond II. It was concluded that systems which use a strong acid for demineralizing the dentin may show greater deterioration of the bond to dentin compared with a self-etching priming system.