Variables influencing the repair strength of dental composites.

Differences in the flexural strength of composites (P-30) repaired with four different adhesive techniques were determined and compared to the flexural strength of unrepaired specimens. Besides investigating the effects of differences in repair methods, both the effect of composite age at repair time and the effect of water storage on flexural strength were evaluated. No significant differences were found between specimens which had been stored for different times (1 or 60 days) before they were repaired. All specimens, including the unrepaired ones, became weaker with time in water. After both 90 and 360 days at 37 degrees C in water, the strength of the repaired specimens ranged between 25 and 50% of the strength of the unrepaired specimens. The weakest group was the one which had been repaired after acid etching, water rinsing, and air drying only.