Effects of Different Over - the - Counter Whitening Products on the Microhardness, Surface Roughness, Color and Shear Bond Strength of Enamel.

Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of four over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products on the microhardness, surface roughness, color, shear bond strength (SBS) and surface charecteristics of human enamel compared with a product used for dentist-supervised home whitening. Materials and methods: Seventy eight enamel specimens allocated into 6 groups (n=13): 1-Opalescence PF 10% (OP) dentist prescribed home whitening product, 2-Opalescence Go prefilled tray (PT), 3-Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste (WT), 4-Listerine Healthy White whitening mouth rinse (WMR), 5-Cavex Bite&White whitening pen (WP) and 6- no treatment (Con). The microhardness (VHN), surface roughness (Ra) and color of the specimens were measured (T0). The specimens were then subjected to whitening protocols for 14 days (T1.) followed by artificial saliva storage for 14 days (T2). The measurements were repeated at T1 and T2. The SBS test was done after the application of 35% phosphoric acid (Scotchbond Universal Etchant), followed by a universal adhesive (G-Premio Bond) and a micro hybrid/universal resin composite (Essentia) into a Teflon tube attached to the enamel surface (p<0.05). Surface morphologies of the enamel surfaces were examined by SEM. p value was set at 0.05. Results: Application of OP, PT and WP decrased the microhardness of enamel specimens (p<0.05) whereas, no significant changes were seen in the microhardness of enamel specimens treated with WT and WMR (p>0.05). Ra values of enamel specimens increased with the application of OP, PT and WT (p<0.05); whereas no changes were observed after the applications of WMR and WP (p>0.05). OP, PT, WMR, and WP changed the color of the enamel(p<0.05). There were not any significant differences among the SBSs groups, apart from OP applied enamel specimens. OP showed the least SBS values (p=0.001). SEM observations revealed smooth enamel surfaces. Conclusions: The whitening products affected the microhardness, surface roughness, color of enamel differently. Only OP decreased the SBS of the enamel.

Does a new formula have an input in the clinical success of posterior composite restorations? A chat study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical behavior of a universal light-curing, ultra-fine particle hybrid composite and successor of this material in class I and II cavities after 60 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients (21 females, 19 males) with ages ranging between 18 and 38 years (23.15 ± 5.15) received 80 (13 Cl I and 67 Cl II) resin composite restorations (Charisma/Charisma Classic, Kulzer GmbH) in combination with an etch and rinse adhesive system (Gluma 2Bond) under rubber dam isolation. Two experienced operators performed all the restorations. Restorations were evaluated by the other two examiners according to the FDI criteria at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. Surface characteristics of one restoration selected randomly were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at each recall. Data were analyzed statistically (p < 0.05). RESULTS: After 60 months, recall rate was 90%. None of the restorations failed. Three restorations from Charisma and 4 from the Charisma Classic group showed minor surface staining. Twelve Charisma and 14 Charisma Classic restorations were scored as 2 for margin staining. Four restorations from both groups showed minor shade deviations but no significant difference was observed between the two restorative materials for any criteria evaluated after 60 months (p > 0.05). SEM evaluations were in accordance with the clinical findings. CONCLUSIONS: Both materials exhibited clinically similar and successful performance over the 60-month observation period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A new formulation of resin composite may not always perform better clinical performances. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02888873.

Clinical Evaluation of a Self-Adhering Flowable Resin Composite in Minimally Invasive Class I Cavities: 5-year Results of a Double Blind Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical performance of a self-adhering flowable resin composite compared to a conventional flowable resin composite used with an etch&rinse adhesive system in minimally invasive Class I cavities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients received at least one pair of Class I restorations (n=65). After class I cavities had been prepared, they were randomly restored either with a self-adhering flowable resin composite (VertiseFlow/Kerr-VR) [Group-1 (n=33)], or with a flowable resin composite (Luxaflow/DMG-LX) in combination with an etch&rinse adhesive (Teco/DMG) [Group-2 (n=32)] according to the manufacturers' instructions. The restorations were evaluated at baseline and yearly during 5 years according to the FDI criteria by two evaluators. A statistical analysis was carried out using the Pearson Chi-Square test and the Cochran Q-test followed by the Mc Nemar's test (p=0.05). RESULTS: After 5 years a total of 47 restorations were evaluated with a recall rate of 68%. At 4-year, 3 (11.5%) VR and 2 LX (7.6%) restorations exhibited a cumulative retention loss. Seventeen (73.9%) VR and 14 LX (58.3%) restorations exhibited clinically acceptable (2) scores for marginal adaptation. At 5-year evaluations VR and LX showed similar results regarding all evaluated criteria (p > 0.05). The cumulative retention loss rates of VR and LX were 15.3% and 7.6%, respectively. None of the restorations demonstrated a recurrence of caries and post operative sensitivity. Both materials showed significant changes at 4 and 5 years regarding marginal staining when compared to baseline (p<0.001). Furthermore, significant changes were observed for VR and LX at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years for marginal adaptation according to baseline (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of both materials for the restoration of Class-I cavities demonstrated clinically acceptable performance at the end of 5-year. The self-adhering flowable composite exhibited a clinical performance similar to the conventional flowable applied with an etch&rinse adhesive.

Mechanical properties and water sorption of two experimental glass ionomer cements with hydroxyapatite or calcium fluorapatite formulation.

In this study the mechanical behavior and water sorption (Ws) of experimental glass-ionomer-cements (GICs) with hydroxyapatite (HA) or calcium fluorapatite (CFA) prototype formulations were examined. Specimens from two experimental and one commercially available GIC were prepared in three protocols; (1) according to the manufacturer's instructions, (2) with coating and (3) with heat application. The specimens were stored in distilled water or artificial saliva at 37°C for 7- and 30-days. Flexural strength (FS), Vickers hardness (VHN) and Ws of GICs were evaluated. Experimental GICs showed higher FS values than commercial GIC (p<0.001). Higher FS and VHN values were observed when GICs were prepared according to manufacturer's recommendation. FS was affected only by GIC-type (η2=0.027), whereas VHN was affected by GIC-type (η2=0.331), treatment-protocols (η2=0.067), storage-medium (η2=0.100) and increased storage-duration (η2=0.317). The tested parameters did not significantly influence the Ws of all tested GICs (p>0.05). The GICs with HA or CFA formulations might represent a promising approach due to their FS, VHN and Ws characteristics.

Clinical performance of a glass ionomer restorative system: a 6-year evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term clinical performance of a glass ionomer (GI) restorative system in the restoration of posterior teeth compared with a micro-filled hybrid posterior composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 (80 Cl1 and 60 Cl2) lesions in 59 patients were restored with a GI system (Equia) or a micro hybrid composite (Gradia Direct). Restorations were evaluated at baseline and yearly during 6 years according to the modified-USPHS criteria. Negative replicas at each recall were observed under SEM to evaluate surface characteristics. Data were analyzed with Cohcran's Q and McNemar's tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: One hundred fifteen (70 Cl1 and 45 Cl2) restorations were evaluated in 47 patients with a recall rate of 79.6% at 6 years. Significant differences were found in marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration for both restorative materials for Cl1 and Cl2 restorations (p < 0.05). However, none of the materials were superior to the other (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in color match was observed in Equia restorations (p < 0.05). Only one Cl2 Equia restoration was missing at 3 years and another one at 4 years. No failures were observed at 5 and 6 years. Both materials exhibited clinically successful performance after 6 years. SEM evaluations were in accordance with the clinical findings. CONCLUSIONS: Both materials showed a good clinical performance for the restoration of posterior teeth during the 6-year evaluation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinical effectiveness of Equia and Gradia Direct Posterior was acceptable in Cl1 and Cl2 cavities subsequent to 6-year evaluation.

Effect of bleaching on mercury release from amalgam fillings and antioxidant enzyme activities: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot clinical study was to determine the mercury release from amalgam fillings and antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide Dismutase [SOD] and Catalase[CAT] ) in body fluids after exposure to two different vital tooth bleaching systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty eight subjects with an average age of 25.6 years (18-41) having at least two but not more than four Class II amalgam fillings on each quadrant arch in the mouth participated in the study. Baseline concentrations of mercury levels in whole blood, urine, and saliva were measured by a Vapor Generation Accessory connected to an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Erythrocyte enzymes, SOD, and CAT activities in blood were determined kinetically. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of 14 volunteers. Group 1 was treated with an at-home bleaching system (Opalescence PF 35% Carbamide Peroxide, Ultradent), and Group 2 was treated with a chemically activated office bleaching system (Opalescence Xtra Boost 38% Hydrogen Peroxide, Ultradent) according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Twenty-four hours after bleaching treatments, concentrations of mercury and enzymes were remeasured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences on mercury levels in blood, urine, and saliva before and after bleaching treatments (p > 0.05). No differences were also found in the level of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) before and after treatments (p > 0.05). Mercury release did not affect the enzyme activities (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bleaching treatments either office or home did not affect the amount of mercury released from amalgam fillings in blood, urine, and saliva and the antioxidant-enzyme activities in blood. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bleaching treatments with the systems tested in this pilot study have no deleterious effect on the mercury release from amalgam fillings and antioxidant enzymes in body fluids.

Effect of different polishing systems and drinks on the color stability of resin composite.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability of resin composit using different finishing systems and drinks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Composit disks (5 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness) were prepared for each nanofilled composite using a brass mold. The specimens were divided into 5 finishing system groups Mylar strip (Mylar, DuPont, Wilmington, Del., USA), Soft Lex (3M(™) ESPE(™) St. Paul, MN, USA), Enhance (Dentsply-DeTrey GmbHD Konstanz, Germany), Hiluster (KerrHawe, Bioggio, Switzerland), Opti Disc (KerrHawe, Bioggio, Switzerland) and each group was divided into 10 subgroups (n = 10) and stored for 24 hours at 37°C in different drinks water coffee, coffee with sugar, tea, tea with sugar, diet coke, coke, light sour cherry juice or sour cherry juice. Color of all specimens was measured before and after exposure with a spectrophotometer using CIE L*a*b* relative, and color changes (ΔE*) were then calculated. The data were analyzed with a twoway analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mean values were compared by the Tukey HSD test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: For the drinks, the lowest ΔE* values were observed in the water and highest ΔE* values were observed in sour cherry juice. When drinks with and without sugar were compared, all groups with sugar demonstrated a higher color difference than without sugar. For the different finishing systems, Mylar strip group demonstrated significantly highest color change; Enhance groups demonstrated significantly lowest color change. CONCLUSION: Finishing treatments and storage solutions significantly affect the color stability of resin composite. The presence of sugar in drinks increased the color difference compared to drinks without composit. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Polishing techniques and drinking drinks with sugar may affect the color of esthetic restorations.

Effects of toothbrushing with fluoride abrasive and whitening dentifrices on both unbleached and bleached human enamel surface in terms of roughness and hardness: an in vitro study.

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the surface roughness and hardness of both unbleached and bleached (opalescence; 10% carbamide peroxide) human enamel brushed with water (without dentifrice), fluoride abrasive dentifrice (Colgate Total) and whitening dentifrice (Natural White). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human enamel samples were obtained from third molars and randomly divided into five groups (n = 8): G1 - Control (brushed with water without dentifrice), G2 - Colgate Total (fluoride abrasive dentifrice), G3 - Natural White (whitening dentifrice), G4 - Opalescence (10% carbamide peroxide) and then brushed with Colgate Total, G5 - Opalescence (10% carbamide peroxide) and then brushed with Natural White. Bleaching regimen was applied according to manufacturers' instructions. The brushing process was performed with a modified Nyffenegger's brushing machine. Surface roughness was analyzed with a profilometer. Microhardness testing was performed with a Brinell hardness tester. RESULTS: Results were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, one-way ANOVA analysis and Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks tests. There were significant differences in surface roughness values for all groups, which showed an increase in roughness (p < 0.05). When the bleaching treatment combined with brushing with whitening dentifrice was performed (G5), there was a significant decrease in hardness values (p < 0.05). The other groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) showed no significant hardness differences (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that toothbrushing procedures increased the enamel surface roughness, and that bleaching regimen performed with cleaning treatment, through brushing with whitening dentifrice decreased hardness values. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When applied together, bleaching and cleaning treatments may alter the enamel surface roughness and hardness values.

The effect of different preparation and etching procedures on the microleakage of direct composite veneer restorations.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the microleakage of direct composite veneer restorations prepared by a conventional dental bur or Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium, chromium doped yttrium scandium gallium garnet) laser and etched with different procedures. METHODS: Fifty maxillary incisor teeth prepared for direct veneers with gingival margins in dentin and incisal margins in enamel were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10): group 1 (control), prepared with diamond bur and etched with phosphoric acid; group 2, prepared with diamond bur and etched with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase MD/Biolase); group 3, prepared with laser and not etched; group 4, prepared with laser and etched with phosphoric acid; and group 5, prepared and etched with laser. After the application of the etch and rinse adhesive system (Prime & Bond NT/Dentsply), teeth were restored with the nano ceramic restorative material (Ceram X Duo/Dentsply), subjected to thermocycling and immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye for 24 h. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally and dye penetration was evaluated by a binocular stereomicroscope equipped with a measuring device. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. The level of significance was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in enamel of the five groups (p < 0.05). Minimal microleakage was observed in groups 1 and 3. The highest microleakage was evaluated in group 5 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the five groups in dentin (p > 0.05). No differences were recorded between the microleakage values in enamel and dentin within each group and this was valid for all groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed that enamel and dentin surfaces prepared with Er,Cr:YSGG laser for direct composite veneer restorations may provide comparable sealing.

Different light-activated in-office bleaching systems: a clinical evaluation.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the efficiency of in-office bleaching systems with different light sources for color change and possible side effects such as tooth sensitivity and gingival irritations. Forty healthy volunteers aged 18 years and older (average age 27.3 years), having all their natural healthy teeth in shade A3 or darker on the Vita shade guide, with no restorations on the buccal surfaces and no tooth sensitivity, participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups of ten volunteers. Group 1 received bleaching without light activation (Opalescence Xtra Boost, Ultradent); group 2 received bleaching (Laser White 10, Biolase) with a diode laser (810 nm, 10 W/ Laser Smile, Biolase) activation; group 3 received bleaching treatment (Remewhite, Remedent) with a plasma arc lamp (400-490 nm, 2800 mV/cm(2), Remecure CL15), and group 4 received bleaching with a light emitting diode (LED) lamp (By White accelerator, Ensodent) according to the manufacturers' recommendations. The shade was assessed with a classical Vita shade guide (Vita Zahnfabrik) and a digital spectrophotometer (Vita Easy Shade, Vident). The color of teeth was scored at baseline and 1 week after bleaching. Any side effects on teeth or gingiva was recorded by visual analog scale. Results were analyzed statistically, by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction. All the bleaching techniques resulted in shade change. No significant differences were found in the color change among the four groups with shade guide assessment (P > 0.05), but spectrophotometer readings exhibited significant differences among the groups (P < 0.05). The overall shade change values expressed as DeltaL, Deltaa, Deltab, DeltaE for group 2 was significantly higher than those for the other groups (P < 0.05). Group 2 also showed lower tooth and gingival sensitivity scores than those of the other groups (P < 0.05). All techniques resulted in shade change. Although the shade guide evaluation did not exhibit any differences among the bleaching treatment groups, spectrophotometer readings showed different findings. The results obtained by the two methods of evaluation of shade change used in this study were different from each other. Bleaching with diode laser resulted in less tooth and gingival sensitivity than the other bleaching systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: in-office bleaching systems used with or without light, lead to a shade change. As bleaching with diode laser resulted in less tooth and gingival sensitivity, it might be preferred among in-office bleaching systems.

Effect of surface conditioning on the retentive bond strengths of fiberreinforced composite posts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Debonding is a common cause of failure encountered with fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts, and usually occurs along the post space-dentin adhesive interface. Surface conditioning of posts is expected to increase the chemical and mechanical bond between the luting composite resin and the post, but the best method has not been definitively determined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of 3 surface-conditioning methods on the retentive bond strengths of FRC posts using 5 composite resin materials, and compare results to those of unconditioned FRC posts as well. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Post space preparations (DentinPost ER root post system, length of 12 mm) were performed on 200 human anterior teeth. Groups of 50 FRC posts (ISO size 90) each were treated using 1 of the following conditioning methods: silanization, etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid, tribochemical coating (CoJet system), or were left untreated (control group). FRC posts (n=10) in each group were placed using 1 of 5 composite resin materials (Calibra or RelyX Unicem resin cements or Build-It, MultiCore Flow, or Rebilda DC foundation composite resins). Following water storage (37 degrees C, 24 hours) and thermal cycling (5000 cycles, 5 degrees -55 degrees C, 30-second dwell time), tensile strength testing was performed. Fracture modes were assessed using a light microscope. Data were analyzed statistically (1-way and 2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni-Dunn correction, alpha=.05). RESULTS: Retentive bond strengths of FRC posts luted with MultiCore Flow in combination with the CoJet system, and of posts inserted with Rebilda DC in combination with hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching as well as with the CoJet system, were significantly higher than those of the corresponding unconditioned FRC posts (P<.001). No significant differences were noted between the bond strength values of RelyX Unicem with CoJet, MultiCore Flow with CoJet, and Rebilda DC with either CoJet or HF etching (P>.05). Retentive bond strengths were significantly lower for HF etching (Calibra, RelyX Unicem, Build-It), and for the treatment with the CoJet system in combination with Build-It compared to the corresponding control groups (P<.001). Fracture modes were primarily adhesive at the post surface or cohesive within the composite resin layer or within the FRC post. CONCLUSIONS: The retentive bond strengths differed significantly with respect to the tested combinations of conditioning method and luting composite resin.

Effect of different adhesive systems and laser treatment on the shear bond strength of bleached enamel.

PURPOSE: This study determined the shear bond strength of a nanohybrid composite resin to bleached enamel immediately or 15 days later using different adhesive systems and laser application. METHODS: One hundred and forty enamel specimens were prepared from human molar teeth and bleached either with 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) or 30% CP according to the manufacturer's (Vivastyle/Vivadent) recommendations. After bleaching treatments specimens were divided into two groups according to the treatment time of the adhesive procedures: immediately or 15 days after the bleaching treatments. The four groups were then divided into five subgroups due to the surface treatments: using a two-step self-etching adhesive (AdheSe, Ivoclar Vivadent G, Schaan, Liechtenstein) or a two-step etch and rinse adhesive (Excite, Ivoclar Vivadent G, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and application of laser prior to adhesive procedures or not. After adhesive procedures nanohybrid composite resin cylinders of 4 mm x 2 mm (Tetric Evo Ceram/Vivadent) were bonded to the enamel surfaces. All specimens were subjected to shear bond strength test after thermocycling and 24h of storage in water. Data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U-test analysis showed no significant difference in the mean bond strength values of enamel bleached with either 16% CP or 30% CP (p>0.05). There was no difference between the groups bonded immediately or 15 days after bleaching (p>0.05). Application of the etch and rinse adhesive after 15 days showed the highest bond strength values, whereas self-etching adhesive and laser application showed the lowest values in both bleaching treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that following the bleaching treatments, the use of etch and rinse adhesive system may provide higher bond strengths than self-etching adhesive and laser application.

Shear bond strength of composite bonded to erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser-prepared dentin.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dentin bond strength to resin composite following erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser preparation using different adhesive systems. Seventy dentin specimens prepared from human molar teeth were randomly assigned to seven groups of ten. The first five groups were prepared with an Er:YAG laser 2940 nm at the manufacturer's recommended settings and (1) acid etched, and etch-and-rinse adhesive Excite was applied; (2) Excite was applied; (3) two-step self-etching adhesive AdheSE was applied; (4) laser etched (120 mJ/10 Hz), and Excite was applied; (5) laser etched, and AdheSE was applied. The last two groups were added as controls (prepared with a diamond bur): (6) acid etched, and Excite was applied; (7) AdheSE was applied. Nanohybrid composite cylinders 4 mm x 2 mm were bonded to the dentin surfaces. After the specimens had been stored in distilled water and had undergone thermocycling, the shear bond strength was tested and the data were analyzed statistically. The Duncan multiple comparison test showed that specimens prepared with a diamond bur and with acid and Excite applied showed the highest mean bond strength (13.01 +/- 2.09 MPa), followed by those prepared with Er:YAG and with AdheSE applied (11.5 +/- 3.59 MPa) and those prepared with a diamond bur and with AdheSE applied (10.75 +/- 1.95 MPa), but there were no significant differences among them (P > 0.05). Er:YAG-prepared specimens, with acid, Excite (3.28 +/- 0.95 MPa) and specimens that were laser etched and with AdheSE applied (3.37 +/- 0.63 MPa) showed the lowest mean values for bond strength (P < 0.05). The results suggested that dentin surfaces prepared with Er:YAG laser may provide comparable composite resin bond strengths depending on the adhesives used.

Shear bond strength of composite bonded to Er,Cr:YSGG laser-prepared dentin.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate dentin bond strength to resin composite following high-speed rotary or Er,Cr:YSGG laser preparation using two different adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty dentin specimens were prepared from human molars. Seventy specimens were prepared with a high-speed diamond bur and 70 of the specimens were prepared with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Each group was subdivided into 7 groups of 10 teeth and etched with either 37% H3PO4, laser etched at two different power levels (1.25 W and 3 W), or not etched. Nano-hybrid composite resin cylinders 4 x 2 mm in size (Tetric EvoCeram, Vivadent) were bonded to the dentin surfaces with the application of an etch-and-rinse adhesive (Exite/Vivadent), or a self-etching adhesive (AdheSe/Vivadent). After storage in distilled water and thermocycling, a shear bond strength test was performed on all specimens and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: ANOVA detected significant differences between the tested groups (p < 0.001). Duncan's multiple comparison test showed that Excite-applied specimens that were prepared with laser and laser etched (1.25 W or 3 W) had higher mean bond strengths. Both AdheSe- and Excite-applied specimens prepared with the diamond bur and laser etched (1.25 W) showed the lowest mean bond strength values (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that dentin surfaces prepared with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and etched with the laser (at either 1.25 or 3 W) may provide comparable or increased composite resin bond strengths, depending on the adhesive used.