Shear bond strength to dentin by simulation of three-dimensional Class V cavity configuration

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of composite polymerization contraction on early shear bond strength of conventional and new dentin adhesives to dentin. The dentin adhesives selected for this study, i.e., Bondlite, Gluma, Prisma Universalbond, Scotchbond LC, Scotchbond 2, and XR Bonding, were tested in combination with Silux and in combination with their respective composites. The composite was applied to the treated dentin surface in cylindrical brass moulds of 4 mm diameter and 3 mm length. The configuration of cylindrical butt-joint Class V cavities was simulated by the coating of the insides of the brass moulds with silane in order that a chemical bond to the composite could be established. The results showed that shear bond strength to dentin was higher for XR Bonding and Scotchbond 2 compared with conventional phosphate ester-based dentin adhesives and Gluma. When XR Bonding or Scotchbond 2 was used, the obstruction of polymerization contraction had no effect on the bond strength to dentin. In contrast, the dentin adhesion of Scotchbond LC/Silux, Prisma Universalbond/Prisma Microfine, Bondlite/Herculite, and Gluma/Lumifor was adversely affected by the reduction of the unbonded composite surfaces. However, this effect was not observed when Prisma Universalbond, Bondlite, and Gluma were tested in combination with Silux. It can therefore be concluded that the effect of polymerization contraction on the bond strength to dentin depends not only on the dentin adhesive but also on the type of composite used.