["Adhesive anterior tooth restorations" with the use of dentin bonding with and without a cavity liner]

In this clinical study 60 class III and class IV restorations were placed according to the rules of the "adhesive restoration". 32 were without, 28 with a light-cured glass-ionomer liner. Total bonding was established in the liner-free group using a modern dentinal adhesive (Prisma Universal Bond 3). Immediately after placement and 3, 6 and 12 months later, respectively, all restorations were clinically inspected. In addition, marginal adaptation of 29 fillings was evaluated in the scanning electron microscope using the replica technique. The results of the clinical examination and of the SEM evaluation at 12 months were not statistically different. Clinically, all restorations were rated A or B. Except for one tooth with pulpitis caused by a restoration, that was not directly involved in this study, all restored teeth were vital and free of clinical symptoms after 12 months. The percentage of "continuous margin" was about 90% in both groups initially. At 12 months-recall, more than 95% "continuous margin" were recorded. This increase was due to repeated removal of flashes at the recall intervals. Under the proviso of an efficient recall, by using a modern dentinal adhesive and a fine hybrid composite, "adhesive restorations" can successfully be placed with and without liner.