The impact of etching time and material on bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to eroded enamel.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of pre-etching time and material on shear bond strength (SBS) of self-adhesive resin cements to eroded and sound enamel. Eroded enamel specimens were assigned into 5 groups (n=20 each) based on enamel surface treatment as follow: Group N, eroded enamel (without surface pre-treatment); Group PH15, 35% H3PO4 etching for 15 s; Group PH30, 35% H3PO4 etching for 30 s; Group L30, 20% lactic acid etching for 30 s and Group L60, 20% lactic acid etching for 60 s.Composite blocks were fabricated and cemented to enamel surfaces with one of two self-adhesive cements. Notched-edge SBS was assessed. Bond strength of self-adhesive cement to eroded enamel surface significantly enhanced following application of 20% lactic acid for 30 s.