Effect of adhesive systems associated with resin-modified glass ionomer cements

The bonding of resin-modified glass ionomer cements to dentin remains a challenge in clinical routine. In an attempt to improve this property, different materials and techniques have been proposed. This study investigated the shear bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cements (Vitremer, 3M/ESPE and Fuji II LC Improved, GC) to human dentin using two one-bottle adhesive systems (Prime & Bond 2.1, Dentsply and Single Bond, 3M/ESPE). The restored specimens were stored in deionized water for 24 h at 37 +/- 1 degrees C, and then the bonded surfaces were tested in shear strength using a Universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm min(-1). Bond strength means were recorded and failure modes were assessed with a stereomicroscope at 40x magnification. Data were submitted to two-way anova and multiple comparisons were performed using a Tukey statistical test (P < 0.05). Fuji II LC Improved yielded higher bond strength (P < 0.05) than Vitremer in all experimental conditions. No statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed among the proposed dentin surface treatments, although a slight decrease in bond strength was observed when phosphoric acid was used alone. Bond strengths of the resin-modified glass ionomer cements to dentin seemed to be more material-dependent than surface treatment-dependent. It may be concluded that the one-bottle adhesive systems tested in this study did not improve the bond strength of the resin-modified glass ionomer cements to dentin.