Evaluating dentin surface treatments for resin-modified glass ionomer restorative materials

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of six surface treatments on the shear bond strength of three resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) to dentin. Occlusal surfaces of caries-free third molars were reduced to expose only dentin. Surface treatments were smear layer intact (negative control), Cavity Conditioner, EDTA, Ketac Primer, Self Conditioner, and etching with 35% phosphoric acid followed by the application of Optibond Solo Plus. Filtek Z250 composite resin bonded with Optibond Solo Plus served as a positive control. Conditioning agents were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. After surface treatments, Fuji II LC, Riva LC, Ketac Nano, and Filtek Z250 were placed in copper-band matrices 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height and were light-cured for 20 seconds. Specimens were stored in 100% humidity for 24 hours, after which they were placed in deionized water for 24 hours at 37°C. They were then tested under shear forces in an Instron Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. A two-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference statistical analyses (p<0.05) indicated significant interaction between RMGIs and conditioning agents. Acid etching followed by Optibond Solo Plus provided highest bond strengths for all three RMGIs, which were not statistically different from the positive control.