Adhesion to enamel, dentin, metal, and porcelain

Adhesion has an inseparable association with cosmetic dentistry. The ability to bond well to tooth structure has allowed the placement of countless porcelain veneers and many ceramic inlays and onlays. Improved materials and techniques have offered clinicians the ability to place these restorations with skill and reliability. The past year has seen many developments and additions to the armamentarium of the cosmetic dentist. The compiled data have been placed in different sections to facilitate the learning process. Review of the following material will familiarize the clinician with the current state of the art in the adhesive aspect of cosmetic dentistry. The ability to employ adhesive techniques has revolutionized the practice of dentistry. Clinicians have at their command materials that allow the placement of thin pieces of ceramic onto tooth structure without shattering, the routine placement of composite materials into posterior teeth, the diminishing reliance on liners and bases, and lessened postoperative discomfort with the use of dentin bonding systems. It is, as previously noted, useful to separate the analyses of adhesion to each of the substrates. Advances continue to be made in each of these areas that although not necessarily facilitating treatment ease, improve the reliability of the procedure. This review attempts to highlight the significant literature of the previous year.