Evaluation of dentin bonding performance and acid-base resistance of the interface of two-step self-etching adhesive systems.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dentin bond strengths and to observe the adhesive-dentin interface after acid-base challenge using fluoride-free and fluoride-releasing self-etching adhesive systems; Clearfil SE Bond (SE), FL-Bond (FL) and FL-Bond II(FL II). Fifteen dentin surfaces from human molars were ground and bonded with one of three adhesive systems. The microtensile bond strength (muTBS) test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The interface of the bonded specimens after acid-base challenge were also examined by a SEM. The muTBS of SE were significantly higher than those of FL and FL II (p<0.05), however, there were no significant differences between FL and FL II (p>0.05). An acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ) was observed in all the groups, however, formation of the ABRZ was material dependent. Fluoride-release from the adhesive is a key factor to create thick ABRZ.