Effect of repair systems on dentin bonding performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of phosphoric acid etching, metal primer or silane coupling agent application on dentin bonding performance of a 2-step self-etch adhesive system. Human dentin surfaces were prepared and divided into four groups depending on the pre-treatment method: no pretreatment (Clearfil SE Bond 2, CONTROL); 40% phosphoric acid (K-Etchant GEL, K); metal primer (Alloy Primer, AP); or silane coupling agent (Porcelain Bond Activator, PB). The specimens were sectioned into beams, separated into 2 subgroups (n=20): no thermocyling or thermocycled (TC), and subjected to a µTBS test and an acid-base challenge for SEM observation. Statistically lower results were observed between K and AP groups, PB and CONTROL, and PB with/without TC (p<0.05). SEM images at the dentin-adhesive interface revealed that all groups produced an acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ), with a funnel-shaped erosion under the ABRZ for the K group.