Comparative Analysis of in vitro Performance of Total-Etch and Self-Etch Adhesives

The aim of the study was in vitro assessment of shear bond strength and micro-leakage after application of total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems. Materials and Methods: Four adhesive systems were chosen for assessment of adhesion performance: Contax (DMG, GmbH), Bond Force (Tokuyama Dental Corp. Japan Mfr), Te-Econom Bond (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein) and Swisstec SL Bond (Coltene, Switzerland). The assessment of bond strength was performed on 20 tooth samples, which were prepared in accordance with the UltraTest technique for shear bond strength (SBS) estimation. The test was conducted at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min and results were fixed in kilograms. The assessment of SBS was performed on enamel and dentin separately. Microleakage assessment of self-etch and total-etch adhesive systems was performed on 20 extracted non-carious upper human premolars with immersion in 1% methylene blue solution after thermocycling. Results: Good SBS results and microleakage values on the dentin substrate were obtained after application of the Contax self-etch bonding agent. But the values of bond strength to enamel and the extent of dye penetration within the composite-enamel interface were still better with the total-etch approach.