ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The work has the objective to analyze the literature on the degradation of the adhesive interface. In particular the study is focused on the role of the metalloproteinase in the hydrolytic degradation of collagen matrix in the bonded interface. The survey will concern also the latest innovations to improve and increase the link between dentin and the restorative materials through the MMPs inhibitors. METHODS: The research has been carried out in the MEDLINE database by choosing keywords as "metalloproteinases" and "dentin bond" and "degradation". In vitro studies were included in the research, excluding studies with no human and deciduous teeth. Language was limited to English. RESULTS: The collagenolytic enzymes in mineralized dentin have been demonstrated to have an important role in dental hard tissue pathologies, including the degradation of the hybrid layer. CONCLUSION: The preservation of the collagen matrix integrity is a key issue in the attempts to improve the dentin bonding durability.
