Resin composites: strength of the bond to dentin versus mechanical properties

This study (1) investigated whether the combination of an adhesive system from one manufacturer with a resin composite from the same manufacturer provides superior bonding of the resin composite to dentin compared with the combination of an adhesive system from one manufacturer with a resin composite from another manufacturer, and (2) tested for a possible influence on bond strength of mechanical properties of the resin composite. After application of an adhesive system, a resin composite was bonded to flattened human dentin and tested in shear after 1 week. Five adhesive systems (AdheSE, Adper Prompt L-Pop, Clearfil SE Bond, Optibond Solo Plus, and Xeno III) were tested with each of five resin composites (Tetric Ceram, Filtek Supreme, Clearfil AP-X, Premise, and EsthetX). The mechanical properties flexural strength and flexural modulus were determined by three-point loading. Bond strengths were influenced by the brand of adhesive system (P < 0.0001) and by the brand of resin composite (P < 0.0001), but the combination of an adhesive system from one manufacturer with a resin composite from the same manufacturer did not provide bond strengths that were superior to those obtained when an adhesive system from one manufacturer was combined with a resin composite from another manufacturer. Independent of the brand of resin composite, the adhesive system Clearfil SE Bond mediated the highest bond strength to dentin. For each adhesive system, the resin composite Clearfil AP-X resulted in the highest bond strength to dentin. Significant positive correlations were found between bond strength and flexural strength (P < 0.0026, r = 0.21) and between bond strength and flexural modulus (P < 0.0017, r = 0.22).