Effect of cyclic loading on the microtensile bond strengths of total-etch and self-etch adhesives

To evaluate the effect of mechanical loading on the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of five adhesive systems to dentin.

Flat dentin surfaces from human molars were divided into five groups and bonded with total-etch self-priming adhesives (Single Bond, Prime&Bond NT and Prime&Bond XP), two-step self-etching primer (Clearfil SE Bond) and an all-in-one adhesive (Etch&Prime 3.0), according to the manufacturers' instructions. Composite build-ups were constructed incrementally with Tetric Ceram. After 24 hours of water storage, half the specimens were load cycled (5000 cycles, 90 N). The teeth were then sectioned into beams of 1.0 mm2 cross-sectional area. Each beam was tested in tension in an Instron machine at 0.5 mm/minute. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Student Newman Keuls multiple comparisons tests (p<0.05).

Clearfil SE Bond and Single Bond attained higher MTBS than the other three adhesives. Prime&Bond NT and Prime&Bond XP performed equally, and Etch&Prime 3.0 resulted in the lowest MTBS. After mechanical loading, MTBS decreased in all groups except Prime&Bond XP. Clearfil SE Bond, Single Bond and Prime&Bond XP obtained higher MTBS than Prime&Bond NT. Specimens bonded with Etch&Prime 3.0 resulted in premature failures and MTBS could not be measured.

When using Etch&Prime 3.0, bond structures did not withstand mechanical loading, which may have an influence on the long-term success of restorations. If dentin is acid-etched, alcohol-based adhesive systems showed higher bond strength after mechanical loading.