Influence of conditioning time on bond strength: evaluation of self-etching adhesive systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength of self-etching adhesive systems with different dentin conditioning times. Sixty caries-free, extracted third molars were selected, with the occlusal surface removed by a diamond saw disc. The specimens were embedded in epoxy resin and divided randomly into six groups (n = 10), according to the conditioning time and adhesive system used. After restoration, the specimens were stored in distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours; they then were submitted to the tensile bond strength test. The results were measured in MPa, then submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P = 0.05). The adhesive system used and the length of dentin conditioning time were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The application time of the conditioner before photocuring did not have a significant effect on tensile bond strength. These results indicate that the resting time of adhesive above the dentin does not directly affect the bond strength of the adhesive system.