ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various methods of dentin bonding agent application on microtensile bond strength between dentin and resin, using a 2-step etch-and-rinse dentin bonding agent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty freshly extracted human molars were obtained and divided into 4 groups of 5 teeth. 2-step etch-and-rinse dentin bonding agent was used for all groups. The control specimens were prepared using a direct immediate bonding technique. The delayed dentin sealing (A, C) specimens were prepared using an indirect approach with delayed dentin sealing. For group A, resin was built-up on uncured dentin bonding agent, and for group C, resin was built-up on pre-cured dentin bonding agent. Preparation of the immediate dentin sealing (B) specimens also used an indirect approach with immediate dentin sealing immediately following preparation. All teeth were prepared for a microtensile bond strength test. Specimens were stored in water for 24 hours. Ten beams (1.0 x 1.0 x 11 mm) from each tooth were selected for testing. Bond strength data (MPa) were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA test, and post hoc comparison was done using the Scheffe's test. RESULTS: The mean microtensile bond strengths of control group, B and C (DDS with pre-cure) were not statisticaaly different from each other at 32.7, 33.3, 34.2 MPa. the bond strength for group A (DDS without pre-cure), 19.5 MPa, was statistically different (P < .01) from the other 3 groups. CONCLUSION: When preparing teeth for indirect bonded restorations, DDS with pre-curing dentin bonding agent and IDS results in the same bond strength between dentin and resin. On the contrast, the bond strength was decreased when DDS without pre-curing dentin bonding agent was used.