Phosphoric acid tooth conditioner containing copper salt for bonding MMA-TBB resin

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a conditioner for treating enamel and dentin simultaneously for MMA-TBB resin bonding. Various phosphoric acid solutions containing copper salts were prepared and used as conditioners before bonding MMA-TBB resin to bovine teeth. Their effects on the surface morphology and bonding were studied by scanning electron microscopy and tensile bond strength testing. The concentrations of phosphoric acid as well as copper salts therein affected the bond strength to dentin. Ten percent phosphoric acid containing 3% copper (II) chloride appeared optimal for treating dentin and was significantly effective in improving the bond strength compared with phosphoric acid alone. This conditioner was applicable also to enamel without any adverse effect on the bond strength. Therefore, enamel and dentin may effectively be treated simultaneously with this conditioner before bonding of MMA/TBB-based resin.