Deproteinizing effects on resin-tooth bond structures

This study investigated the effects of NaOCl on resin–tooth bonds to simulate the situations of long‐term durability and caries invasion. Resin–tooth bonded specimens were produced with the use of two resin adhesives (Excite and One‐Bond). Resin–tooth bonded beams (adhesive area; 0.9 mm2) were serially sectioned and the specimens were immersed in 10% NaOCl medium for 0 (control), 2, 4, and 6 h after being stored in water for 24 h. After immersion, microtensile bond tests were performed. SEM fractography was conducted to calculate each failure mode by image analysis. In addition, the adhesive interface was examined with the use of TEM. In the control specimens, enamel bond strengths had no difference between Excite (45.6 ± 15.0) and One‐Bond (56.9 ± 12.9). On the other hand, dentin bond strengths had significant difference between Excite (80.6 ± 21.2) and One‐Bond (50.7 ± 11.2). The bond strengths decreased with increased storage time for both systems with enamel and dentin bonds. The deteriorated mineralized dentin of beams resulted in bond‐strength reduction for resin–enamel bonds. For dentin bonding, the adhesive interface was gradually dissolved from the outer to the center portion of the beam. The depletion of collagen fibrils within the demineralized dentin or hybrid layer deformation was found under SEM and TEM examinations. These morphological changes are responsible for bond strength reduction of resin‐dentin bonds. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 68B: 29–35, 2004