Microtensile Bond Strength of Adhesive Systems in Different Dentin Regions on a Class II Cavity Configuration

The aim of this study was to evaluate microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesives systems compared in different dentin regions (central-CD or proximal-PD) in a class II cavity configuration. A class II (mesial-oclusal-distal) cavity configuration was simulated on 20 extracted human third-molars (4 mm wide/3 mm deep). Etch-and-rinse adhesive (Scotchbond Multi Purpose, n=5, SBMP and Optibond FL, n=5, OPFL) and self-etch adhesives (Clearfil SE Bond, n=5, CSE and Optibond XTR, n=5, OPXTR) were applied. Class II restorations were performed by incremental technique and photo-activated (Bluephase/G2). Samples were sectioned to beam shape (1 mm² cross-section), placed on Geraldeli's device for µTBS test (0.5 mm/min cross-head speed). Fracture patterns were analyzed on stereomicroscope and classified as cohesive-resin, adhesive, mixed/resin or mixed/dentin. Samples (n=4) were prepared for scanning electron microscope observation. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA with Split-Plot arrangement and Tukey's test (α=0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among SBMP, OPFL, CSE and OPXTR on CD (p>0.05). However, on PD for SBMP and OPFL, µTBS values were significantly lower compared to CSE and OPXTR (p<0.05). In all groups, mixed failure pattern was more frequently observed, except for SBMP/CD (adhesive). In class II type cavity configuration, PD location negatively influenced bond strength of etch-and-rinse adhesive systems. Opposite to self-etching adhesives, which presented higher bond strength values compared to etch-and-rinse adhesives in PD.