Bonded to tooth ceramic restorations: in vitro evaluation of the efficiency and failure mode of two modern adhesives.

Dentinal seal and the internal adhesive interface of bonded tooth ceramic overlays were evaluated in vitro, using a dye infiltration test and direct-indirect SEM observations. The new adhesives such as Optibond or Scotchbond MP demonstrated better performances in dentin bonding than former adhesives. With the large cementing space (300 microns), a rigid set-up restraining compensatory phenomena between the restoration and the tooth proved again to negatively influence the dentinal seal of bonded ceramic overlays. In the present test conditions, dentin bonding of the new adhesives remains perfectible, even if the total etch technique is applied. Failure modes of Optibond and Scotchbond MP showed some specific features. For both brands, bonding failures occurred mainly between the hybrid layer and the overlaying resins; these are not of an artefactual nature, as was demonstrated by indirect SEM observations. The cohesiveness of the adhesive interface does not appear optimal at the present time; the need for stress reduction in the cementing space therefore remains of primary concern in dentin bonded restorations.