Adherence of resin-based luting agents assessed by the energy of fracture

The present study assessed the adherence of nine commercial resin cements by means of the wedge test. The beams of the test were made of a Ni-Cr-Be alloy, and the adhering surfaces were sandblasted with 250 microns Al2O3. The energy of fracture of the investigated cements varied from less than 10 J/m2 to 121 J/m2. The fracture energies were not influenced by 1) the thickness of the joint, 2) the width of the beams, 3) the use of an intermediary noncomposite resin, or 4) storage in water beyond 24 h. In spite of a rather high variability within groups, it is concluded that the wedge test may give relevant data on the performance of adhesive joints.