In vitro quality testing of dentin adhesives

A tensile and a shear bond strength test are compared, using two well-known and two more recently marketed dentin adhesive systems: Gluma (Bayer), Scotchbond 2 (3M), Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (3M), and Syntac (Vivadent). The adhesives were used to bond composite resins to the buccal surface of human third molars. Specimens stored for 24 h before testing did not show significant differences between bond strength values obtained by either the tensile or the shear test method for any of the materials. The bond strength of thermocycled specimens did not differ for Gluma, was significantly lower for Scotchbond 2, and significantly higher for Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Syntac. SEM observations showed increasing amounts of cohesive failure in resin with increasing bond strength values. Cohesive fractures in dentin were also observed. It is concluded that either the tensile or the shear test method can be used for quality testing of dentin adhesives. Thermocycling may provide interesting information about the quality of a bond.