Effect of metal conditioners on polymerization behavior of bonding agents.

This study aimed to determine the influence of metal conditioners on the polymerization behavior of bonding agents. Bonding agents of two-step self-etching primer systems and metal conditioners for adhesion of dental metal alloys were used. Double bond conversion was determined by Fourier transform-ation infrared spectroscopy. The percentage of residual double bonds, including pendant and monomeric double bonds, was calculated by comparing the obtained ratio with that of the uncured bonding agent. The degree of conversion of the bonding agents was obtained by subtracting the remaining double bonds from 100%. ANOVA followed by a Tukey HDS test was performed. Degree of conversion of the bonding agents ranged from 86.0 to 87.8%. When the bonding agents were mixed with metal conditioners or solvents of the metal conditioners, double bond conversion of the bonding agents tended to decrease. Within the limitations of this study, which was far removed from clinical situations, the presence of metal conditioners and remaining solvents had adverse effects on the polymerization reaction of bonding agents. Clinicians should be cognizant of the various factors that can influence bond strength of restorative resins to dentin.