The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface roughness and smear layer on the micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) of two self-etching adhesives, Clearfil SE Bond (SE) and Clearfil Tri-S Bond (S3). Flat dentin surfaces were prepared with SiC papers (600-, 180- and 120-grit) and diamond burs (extra fine, medium and coarse). They were further divided into smear-covered and smear-free surfaces and bonded with respective adhesives. µSBS test was performed after water storage at 37ºC for 24 h. Smear layer thickness measurement was evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Surface roughness was examined by contact stylus profilometer. Smear layer thickness and surface roughness were significantly different among all groups (p<0.05). No difference in µSBS was observed among surface prepared by SiC whereas bur-cut smear layer had negative effect on µSBS, especially for S3. Surface roughness from different surface preparations had no influence on µSBS (p<0.05).
Keywords: Micro-shear bond strength; Self-etching adhesives; Smear layer; Surface preparation; Surface roughness.