Background: Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) composites release calcium and phosphate ions in aqueous environments, which may lead to deposition of apatitic mineral in tooth structure. The authors evaluate the strength of the composite/adhesive/dentin bond shear bond strength (SBS) for ACP basing-composites after various periods of water aging.
Methods: The authors made the experimental composites by using two resin matrices with various ACPs or a commercial strontium ion-leachable glass. They applied successive coats of a dentin adhesive and basing composite to an acid-etched dentin surface and photopolymerized them. They added a commercial resin-based composite and light cured it. They determined the specimens' SBS after they were aged in water for various periods at 37 degrees C.
Results: The SBS of the ACP composites was 18.3 +/- 3.5 megapascals, independent of filler type, resin composition and water-aging interval. After 24 hours of water aging, 92.6 percent of surfaces showed the adhesive failure. After two weeks of water aging, adhesive/cohesive failures were predominant in unmilled and milled ACP composites.
Conclusions: The SBS of ACP composites appears to be unaffected by filler type or immersion time for up to six months. The type of adhesive failure occurring with prolonged aqueous exposure is affected by filler type.
Clinical implications: These materials may be effective remineralizing/antidemineralizing agents and may be clinically applicable as adhesives, protective liners and bases, orthodontic cements and pit-and-fissure sealants.