Factors affecting the adhesion of polycarboxylate cement to enamel and dentin

The adhesive bond strength of polycarboxylate cement with enamel and dentin and the factors affecting the adhesion of the cement to both structure were studied. A thick cement film reduced the tensile and shear bond strengths of the cement. Although surface roughness reduced the tensile bond strength of the cement, it significantly increased the shear bond strength. The application of the cement under pressure increased its shear bond strength. Surface treatment with 4% sodium fluoride solution for 5 minutes, 4% stannous fluoride solution for 2 minutes, and a 10% suspension of calcium hydroxide for 5 minutes significantly increased the shear bond strength of the cement with dentin.