Etching kinetics of a self-etching primer

Self-etching primers are thought to offer significant advantages over total-etch adhesive systems. The hypothesis tested in this study was that there was no difference in etching characteristics between a self-etching primer and a phosphoric acid solution at the same pH. Etching was assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) evaluation of site-specific changes in the height of the peritubular and intertubular dentin as a function of exposure time. Human dentin disks (n = 6/group), prepared with an acid-resistant glass reference layer, were etched with a self-etching primer and with 0.0134 M phosphoric acid (both pH congruent to 1.94). Depth changes relative to the reference layer were measured with the A FM after each etching interval, at 15 different locations, each in the peritubular and intertubular dentin. The total demineralization depth was measured in a scanning electron microscope. Peritubular dentin etching rate was linear while it could be measured (up to 15 s) and was greater for the self-etching primer (p<0.0001). Intertubular dentin displayed a similar demineralization pattern with both acids, ultimately reaching a plateau in the majority of specimens. The self-etching primer attained a plateau after less recession than phosphoric acid (p<0.0001). Dentin demineralization appears to be affected by other factors in addition to the pH of the etchant solutions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.