Chemical adhesion in dentistry.

The terms used in the chemistry of adhesion are reviewed as well as the role played by surface energies, viscosity, surface roughness, etc. The similarity of chemical bonds in substrate and adhesive which favours adhesion in general, is very rare in dentistry. It is shown how and when a chemical bridge between two different types of materials works in dentistry. Finally, it is made evident why binding to dental hard tissues will not be permanent.