Early marginal leakage and shear bond strength of adhesive restorative systems

The aims of this study were to assess in vitro the early marginal seal effectiveness in Class V restorations at the cemento-enamel junction, and the early shear bond strength of several composite and dentin bonding system combinations. The seal effectiveness was studied by evaluating the dye penetrations: (a) along the superficial margin of restorations (width of surface microleakage); (b) along the dentin cavity walls (length of microleakage); and (c) toward the pulp (depth of microleakage). Good correlations were demonstrated among the seal evaluations, but no relationships were apparent between these and shear bond strength. Our study suggests that the marginal seal is influenced by composite properties more than by bonding agents. The shear bond analysis indicates only the adhesive potential of the materials without considering the composite shrinkage effects on marginal gap after the photocuring setting reactions.