Bond strengths of resin to enamel and dentin treated with low-pressure air abrasion

The effect of low-pressure (41.8 psi) air abrasion with alumina and glass beads on bonding to tooth substrates was evaluated. Tensile bond strengths of a bonding resin to air-abraded bovine enamel and dentin were measured. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe (1) air-abraded surfaces, (2) fractured surfaces after the tensile bond test, and (3) interfaces of bonded specimens. Air abrasion with glass beads significantly decreased the bond strengths to enamel and dentin, whereas air abrasion with alumina decreased adhesion to enamel but not to dentin. The air-abraded enamel and dentin surfaces were irregularly roughened, and smear layers were created by air abrasion. Hybrid layers were observed at the interface between the bonding resin and the air-abraded dentin. The SEM photographs suggested that air abrasion may weaken the tooth surfaces, which could account for the decrease of the bond strengths.