Laboratory evaluation of the A.R.T. bonding system

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Adhesive Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Dental restorations require durable adhesion to tooth structure.
• Microleakage is a critical factor influencing restoration longevity.
• Evaluating new bonding systems is essential for improving clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the in vitro shear bond strength of the A.R.T. Bond System to dentin at various time points.
• To quantify microleakage in Class V dentin preparations restored with the A.R.T. Bond System.
• To examine resin penetration into dentin tubules using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Methods:

• Extracted human molars were prepared to expose superficial dentin.
• The A.R.T. Bond System (Primer and Adhesive) was applied, followed by resin composite restoration.
• Shear bond strength was tested at intervals from 1 minute to 4 weeks.
• Microleakage was quantitatively assessed using a spectrophotometric dye-recovery method.

Main Results:

• Mean shear bond strengths ranged from 13.07 MPa (1 minute) to 18.17 MPa (24 hours), showing stability over time.
• The A.R.T. Bond System exhibited negligible microleakage (0.008 mg dye/restoration).
• Scanning electron microscopy confirmed resin penetration into dentin tubules.

Conclusions:

• The A.R.T. Bond System provides robust in vitro shear bond strength to dentin.
• The system demonstrates excellent marginal integrity with minimal microleakage.
• These findings support the clinical efficacy of the A.R.T. Bond System for dentin restorations.