Composite rebonding to stainless steel metal using different bonding agents

The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro bond strengths of composite rebonded to stainless steel crown metal (SS) using five different bonding agents after composite to SS bond failure had been produced. The adhesive systems were applied to the failed bonds following the manufacturers' instructions and, as a control, composite was bonded to SS without using a bonding agent. Each group was then divided into two subgroups: mechanically prepared (MP), in which the SS was roughened by a diamond bur, and unprepared (NMP), in which no modification of the SS was done. ESPE VISIO-GEM composite was placed in a plastic mold and light cured to the treated SS. Samples were stored in water at 37 degrees C for 72 hr, thermocycled for 500 cycles between 5 and 55 degrees C, and mounted in an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Caulk's Adhesive System provided significantly higher rebond strength (228.97 +/- 106.9 kg/cm2) than the other materials, and mechanical surface preparation offered no significant advantages.