Resistance to degradation of resin-dentin bonds produced by one-step self-etch adhesives

The objective of this article is to evaluate the resistance to degradation of resin-dentin bonds formed with three one-step adhesives. Flat, mid-coronal dentin surfaces were bonded with the self-etching adhesives [Tokuyama Bond Force (TBF), One Up Bond F Plus (OUB), and G-Bond (GB)]. The bonded teeth were subjected to fatigue loading, chemical degradation, and stored in distilled water for four time periods (up to 12 months). Specimens were tested for microtensile bond strength and microleakage. Fractographic analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Bonded interfaces were examined by light microscopy using Masson's trichrome staining. An atomic force microscope was employed to analyze phase separation and surface nanoroughness (Ra) at the polymers. Vickers microhardness and the degree of the conversion (DC) were also determined. ANOVA and multiple comparisons tests were performed. Bond strength significantly decreased after the chemical challenge, but not after load cycling. Aging decreased bond strength after 6 months in TBF and GB, in OUB after 12 months. An increase of the nonresin protected collagen zone occurred in all groups, after storing. TBF showed the highest roughness, microhardness, and DC values, and GB showed the lowest. Mild self-etch one-step adhesives (TBF/OUB) showed a higher degree of cure, lower hydrophilicity, and major resistance to degradation of resin-dentin bonds when compared to highly acidic self-etching adhesive (GB).