Influence of enamel border and regional variability on durability of resin-dentin bonds

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of enamel border on regional resin-dentin microtensile bond strength (muTBS) over time. METHODS: Thirty human third molars had a flat dentine surface exposed. Two adhesive systems (Single Bond [SB] and ScotchBond Multi Purpose Plus [SBMP]) were applied and composite resin crowns (Filtek Z250) were constructed. Teeth were divided into three groups (n=5). Group A, specimens were sectioned to obtain sticks to be tested in tension (0.5mm/min) immediately. Group B specimens were stored without outer enamel in water for 6 months, before sectioning and testing. Group C, specimens were stored with outer enamel in water for 6 months, before sectioning and testing. In all groups, the origin of the sticks, periphery and inner regions was controlled. The data for each adhesive were subjected to a two-way repeated measure ANOVA (location versus storage conditions) and Tukey's test. RESULTS: No significant degradation in muTBS was observed for SBMU in all conditions. For SB, a significant reduction on muTBS was observed in the specimens without enamel border (group B). The degradation was more pronounced in the specimens from the periphery. CONCLUSIONS: The three-step etch-and-rinse system is less susceptible to water degradation effects; stable resin-dentin bonds can be achieved with two-step etch-and-rinse systems as long as there is a bonded enamel border.