Effect of double-layer application techniques on the dentin micro-tensile bond strength of universal adhesives

This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and 6-month dentin micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) of three universal adhesives applied using different double-layer application techniques.

Sixty-five human molar teeth were divided into 13 groups (n = 5) based on adhesive systems and application procedures. Three universal adhesives (G-Premio Bond, GC Corp.; GP, OptiBond Universal, Kerr; OB and Single Bond Universal, 3 M ESPE; SB) and a two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray Noritake Dental; CSE) were tested. Universal adhesives were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions-(SL-MI) or three different double-layer application procedures: (1) the first adhesive layer was applied without either air thinning or light curing-(DL1), (2) air thinning without light curing the first layer-(DL2), (3) with air thinning and polymerisation each layer-(DL3). The two-step self-etch group was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. µTBS was measured immediately, after 3 months and 6 months of water storage. Statistical analyses were conducted using Three-Way ANOVA (p< 0.05).

For the immediate and 3-month water storage of SB and GP, the highest µTBS values were observed in Group DL2, while for OB, Group DL3 exhibited the highest µTBS values (p< 0.05). After 6 months of water storage, differences among the application procedures were not significant for GP and OB (p> 0.05). The two-step self-etch system demonstrated higher µTBS than all universal adhesive systems at all test periods (p< 0.05).

The application of universal adhesives in two layers, particularly by thinning the first layer with air and polymerising after the second layer, positively affects immediate and 3-month µTBS. However, the benefits of double-layer application on 6-month µTBS appear to be material dependent.