ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of adhesive temperature on the resin-dentin bond strength (µTBS), nanoleakage (NL), adhesive layer thickness (AL), and degree of conversion (DC) of ethanol/water- (SB) and acetone-based (PB) etch-and-rinse adhesive systems. METHODS: The bottles of the two adhesives were kept at each temperature (5°C, 20°C, 37°C, and 50°C) for 2 hours before application to demineralized dentin surfaces of 40 molars. Specimens were prepared for µTBS testing. Bonded sticks (0.8 mm(2)) were tested under tension (0.5 mm/min). Three bonded sticks from each tooth were immersed in silver nitrate and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The DC of the adhesives was evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: Lower µTBS was observed for PB at 50°C. For SB, the µTBS values were similar for all temperatures. DC was higher at 50°C for PB. Higher NL and thicker AL were observed for both adhesives in the 5°C and 20°C groups compared to the 37°C and 50°C groups. The higher temperatures (37°C or 50°C) reduced the number of pores within the adhesive layer of both adhesive systems. CONCLUSIONS: It could be useful to use an ethanol/water-based adhesive at 37°C or 50°C and an acetone-based adhesive at 37°C to improve adhesive performance.
