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Self-etching aspects of a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive
Jose Bahillo1, Miguel Roig, Tissiana Bortolotto
1Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, International University of Catalonia, Sant Cugat del Valles, 08195, Barcelona, Spain, jbahillovarela@gmail.com.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|November 13, 2012
Summary
Selective enamel etching with OptiBond FL (OFL) adhesive provides optimal marginal adaptation in cavities. This technique, avoiding dentin etching, enhances restoration reliability, particularly in deep cavity preparations.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Adhesive Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- Marginal adaptation is crucial for restoration longevity.
- Three-step etch-and-rinse adhesives like OptiBond FL (OFL) are widely used.
- Optimizing application protocols can enhance clinical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the marginal adaptation of cavities restored with OptiBond FL (OFL).
- To evaluate the effect of different application protocols on marginal integrity.
- To investigate the influence of selective enamel etching versus total-etch techniques.
Main Methods:
- Class V cavities were prepared with enamel and dentin margins.
- Restorations utilized OFL adhesive and Clearfil AP-X composite.
- Three groups with varying etching techniques underwent thermomechanical loading and marginal analysis.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) examined etching patterns.
Main Results:
- Selective enamel etching (Group 3) showed significantly lower marginal gap formation on enamel post-loading compared to groups 1 and 2.
- No significant differences in marginal adaptation were observed on dentin margins across groups.
- SEM revealed distinct micromorphological differences in etching patterns.
Conclusions:
- Selective enamel etching, without etching dentin, optimizes marginal adaptation with OFL, suggesting a self-etching primer effect on dentin.
- The three-step etch-and-rinse OFL adhesive with selective enamel etching creates a reliable adhesive interface.
- This approach offers advantages for restoring deep cavities, improving clinical outcomes.

