Advances in adhesive technology

Advances in adhesive technology have occurred at a remarkable pace over the past few years. It seems as though every month brings a "new" and "better" bonding system onto the market. Clinical protocol is constantly changing. Just when clinicians have mastered one technique, they find it has been supplanted by another. This often creates confusion and suspicion on the part of the dental practitioner. There are, however, some fundamental concepts applicable to almost all adhesive systems. This paper attempts to present a lucid and comprehensible review of some of these concepts. Many of the latest innovations, such as total etch and wet bonding, are discussed. This paper is not intended as a comprehensive review of all aspects of adhesive dentistry. (For example, adhesion to metals is not covered.) It is my hope that readers will come away with a basic understanding of some current concepts and beliefs in the constantly evolving field of adhesive dentistry.