Bond strengths of one- and two-step self-etch adhesive systems

One-bottle self-etching adhesives have been introduced that combine the etchant, primer, and adhesive into a single bottle in an effort to reduce the number of bonding steps. Limited research has been conducted comparing the efficacy of 1-bottle and 2-bottle self-etching adhesives.

This investigation evaluated the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of 3 one-step self-etching adhesives, 2 two-step self-etching adhesives, and a total-etch adhesive. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of an intermediary layer of elastic resin on the MTBS of 2 of the self-etching adhesives.

The MTBS of 3 one-step self-etching adhesives (G-Bond, iBond, and Clearfil S(3)), 2 two-step self-etching adhesives (Clearfil SE and Optibond Solo Plus Self-Etch), and a total-etch adhesive (Prime & Bond NT) was evaluated. Microtensile bond strength (MPa) was determined using composite resin (Herculite XRV) cylinders bonded to the dentin surface of human third molars (n=24) using 6 bonding agents. Each bonded tooth specimen was longitudinally sectioned to produce bar-shaped specimens with a square cross-sectional nominal bond area of 1.4 mm(2) (n=20). Bonded specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C for 72 hours, during which time they were subjected to thermal cycling (1500 cycles, in water baths of 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C, for a dwell time of 30 seconds). Testing was performed on a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. One-way ANOVA, Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsh multiple range test, and Wald chi square test, each using an overall alpha=.05, were performed on all data. Low-power (x20) microscopic examination of the bond failure was observed for each specimen.

The 1-way ANOVA (P<.001) and Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsh multiple range test (P<.05) showed significant differences between the mean MTBS values for several of the bonding agents tested. The Wald chi square test of the Weibull distribution showed significant differences between adhesives (P<.001).

Of the bonding agents tested, significantly higher MTBS was obtained with the total-etch 2-stage adhesive. The results of this study suggest that there are similar bond strengths between the 1- and 2-bottle self-etch adhesives.