Bonding stability and shelf life of GLUMA

The long-term bonding stability and shelf life of the two dentin-bonding systems--GLUMA combined with Clearfil New Bond and HEMA combined with Clearfil New Bond--were evaluated by measurement of the tensile bond strength and the wall-to-wall polymerization contraction in the cylindrical dentin cavity. The tensile bond strengths of the two bonding systems did not decrease significantly after the specimens were stored in water at room temperature for a maximum period of 24 weeks. Since the bonding efficiency of the two bonding systems was not affected by the storing of these solutions in a refrigerator for a maximum period of 24 weeks, the shelf life of these agents is considered to be longer than 24 weeks.