Comparing two methods of moisture control in bonding to enamel: a clinical study.

Twelve patients provided a total of 36 teeth to be used in this study. Visible-light-cured composite resin tabs were applied to a flattened, acid-etched surface of each tooth. Half of the teeth were isolated with cotton rolls in conjunction with a saliva ejector; the other conjunction with a saliva ejector; the other half were isolated using a rubber dam. An equal number of teeth were treated in each group for each subject to serve as a self-control. After extraction the teeth were mounted and shear bond strength of the composite resin to enamel was determined on an Instron Testing Machine. There was a significant difference in the shear bond strength between the two experimental groups.