Microbrush bristle remnants on the bonding surface using different adhesive systems by scanning electron microscope:...

The shelf life of dental restorations relies primarily on the adhesion between tooth and restorative material. Numerous dental adhesive systems have been developed to play a crucial role in enhancing this adhesion. However, the presence of any residues while applying adhesive systems may compromise the adhesive seal, affecting the properties of dental restorations. Thus, this paper aims to assess the presence of microbrush bristle remnants on bonding surfaces using total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems.

In the present experimental in vitro study, 12 extracted permanent maxillary premolar teeth were decoronated and divided into two groups (n = 6). Application of self-etch adhesive system (Seventh generation) was made on the prepared specimens with the help of microbrush (Cotisen) for group I, and total-etch adhesive system (Fifth generation) was applied on the prepared specimens for group II with the same brand of micro brush (Cotisen). Each group received a standardized polymerization process. The bonding surfaces of samples were then analyzed to determine the microbrush bristle remnants. An independent sample t-test was applied to compare the mean bristle remnants between the two groups. P value was set at 0.05 (at a 0.05 level of significance).

Self-etch adhesive system had a greater number of microbrush bristle remnants than the total-etch adhesive system, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Irrespective of the different adhesive systems being used; microbrush bristle remnants were seen in both groups. Dentists should be cautious to avoid contamination of adhesive surfaces. The presence of bristle remnants might influence the shelf life of the restorations.