Objectives: To evaluate the dentin wetting by four adhesive systems and to relate the wetting properties with the adhesive efficiency.
Methods: Scotch Bond Multipurpose Plus (3M), Syntac Single-Component (Vivadent), One-Step (Bisco) and Heliobond (Vivadent) were used. The substrate was superficial and deep human dentin. Roughness and water contact angle were measured before and after acid etching. Dentin wetting by resins was studied by contact angle measurements as a function of time to evaluate the spreading time. The shear bond strength was evaluated following a single plane method, and the microleakage was evaluated in Class V cavities.
Results: Acid etching increased dentin roughness and wettability and no differences were found between acids tested. Dentin wetting and roughness was higher on deep dentin. Dentin wetting and shear bond strength of resins was similar except for Heliobond that displayed the lowest value. Microleakage was higher on the gingival wall, and the leaking was lowest for Scotch Bond Multipurpose Plus, and maximum for Heliobond. The spreading time exceeded 30s with water-based and hydrophobic adhesives, and was lower with an acetone-based adhesive. Dentin depth had some influence on contact angle and shear bond strength: contact angles obtained with SBMP and One-Step were higher on superficial dentin, and shear bond strength for One-Step was higher on superficial dentin. Dentin wetting by resins could be correlated to shear bond strength and microleakage.
Significance: Dentin acid etching with different conditioners promotes similar roughness and wetting changes. On a similar substrate, the adhesion depends on the chemical and wetting characteristics of resins.