A 36-month evaluation of self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesives in noncarious cervical lesions

There are two bonding strategies for composite restorations: the etch-and-rinse (ER) approach and the self-etch (SE) approach. Few clinical trials have evaluated the SE approach in Class V restorations for a 36-month period. The authors conducted a study to evaluate whether the SE system can provide retention rates and marginal discoloration similar to that of the ER system.

Twenty-five patients, each having at least two pairs of equivalent noncarious cervical lesions under occlusion, were enrolled in this study. Two calibrated operators placed 78 restorations, one-half for ER and one-half for SE. Two independent examiners evaluated the restorations at baseline and after six-, 12-, 18- and 36-month periods according to the slightly modified U.S. Public Health Service criteria. Statistical analysis between materials in each period was conducted using a Fisher exact test (alpha = .05), and the performance of the materials at baseline in comparison with each period was evaluated by a McNemar test (alpha = .05).

Five SE restorations and one ER restoration were lost after 36 months. After 36 months, 10 SE and five ER restorations were rated Bravo in marginal adaptation (P > .05). Fourteen SE and five ER restorations were rated Bravo in marginal discoloration (P < .05).

Although a significantly increased marginal discoloration was observed with SE, both adhesives showed retention rates in noncarious cervical lesions that were not statistically different after 36 months.

The ER and SE adhesive systems can be used with confidence; however, SE adhesive showed a faster and more progressive enamel marginal degradation.